Old Kingdom Egypt

King Menkaure (Mycerinus) and queen
Egyptian, Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4, reign of Menkaure, 2490–2472 B.C.
Findspot: Giza, Egypt
Overall: 142.2 x 57.1 x 55.2 cm, 676.8 kg (56 x 22 1/2 x 21 3/4 in., 1492.1 lb.)
Block (Wooden skirts and two top): 53.3 x 180 x 179.7 cm (21 x 70 7/8 x 70 3/4 in.)
Greywacke

This sculpture signifies the ideal form of a man and a woman. When looking at this work of art the woman seems to be conveyed as being the strong individual this man ideal man needs. Her arms are holding him in place. That can be thought as maybe she does not want him to leave her or possible aggressiveness towards him. The male figure has his left leg bending in a stance. This can be viewed as he is protecting his woman or he is letting her know he leads there relationship and she follows. He is the dominant figure in that relationship. As they gaze out into emptiness I feel they are seeing what life would be like to be together for eternity.

Both figures do have similar resemblance. They both have the same face structure except the man has a nemes and her hair is pulled back of her ears. He has very proud shoulders showing his strength and she is reserved with her hand placed on his forearm. This sculpture is a great representation of what the royal Egyptians looked like.

JR