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Egypt, probably Thebes, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 B / c. 1391–1353 BCE

Trial Piece Worked on Both Sides

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Trial Piece Worked on Both Sides as sculpture (Egypt, probably Thebes, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 B · c. 1391–1353 BCE).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

Trial pieces were a necessity of this busy building period because new styles were continually introduced and rapid training of apprentices was needed.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this sculpture as limestone.

The museum's collection notes: This carved flake of limestone provides a fascinating glimpse of the ancient artist at work. One side, by far the better, features four studies of heads. At the upper left is an Asiatic. He has a low forehead, a prominent nose, and a long, pointed beard. To his right is a Nubian wearing the short, round headdress and large loop earring that the Egyptians usually identified with this ethnic group. The bottom row presents images from within Egypt. At the left is a stock image of a king. To his right is another Egyptian, whose clean-shaven head immediately identifies him as a priest. The rather routine, basic subjects of the other side show a fa

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtTrial Piece Worked on Both Sides

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