Description and Formal Analysis
The imposing statue of the Pharaoh Enthroned is a splendid depiction of Ramesses II, the mighty Pharaoh. The figure is an impressive 59 3/4 inches tall, 23 1/2 inches wide, and 30 inches deep. It was carved from granodiorite. Even without its head and feet, the statue is still breathtaking. The figure depicts Ramesses II seated with his torso outward and his back arched, conveying that he is strong and in charge. He is wearing a knee-length skirt with intricate ornamental lines that runs the entire length of it. His upper torso is the only part of his body covered by anything other than a decorative collar (Dyck et al. 30). The impressive monument of the Pharaoh Enthroned depicts the powerful Pharaoh Ramesses II magnificently.
The statue, which was sculpted from granodiorite, is an impressive 59 3/4 inches tall and 23 1/2 inches wide by 30 inches deep. Despite missing its head and feet, the statue is still stunning. Ramesses II is depicted in the sculpture in a seated position with his torso outstretched and his back arched, conveying the idea that he is strong and in charge (Heilbrunn Foundation np). He is wearing a knee-length skirt with intricate ornamental lines going down the length of it. The top half of his body, which is otherwise naked, is only covered by a decorative collar that descends to cover his upper torso. The hands of the statue are on each leg, the palms of its straight, extended, downward-extending arms facing the edges of the chair.
The statue is seated on a seat covered in various symbols and forms with its legs close together. The seat’s brief backrest, which ends just above the waist, helps to keep the user upright and demonstrate their preparedness for their tasks. Even though the statue is broken up, it is still a testament to ancient Egyptian craftspeople’s extraordinary ability and craftsmanship. The statue’s anatomically correct proportions and the attention to detail in the chair and clothing are examples of the dedication and talent of ancient Egyptian art (William R. 52).
Contextual Study
The imposing statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II enthroned was created during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, characterized by political harmony, economic success, and artistic development. Ramesses II, also called Ramesses the Great, ruled Egypt from 1279 to 1213 BC and was one of the most powerful pharaohs in Egyptian history. The statue was created to recognize his achievements and influence as a leader during his reign. Pharaohs frequently adopted this position at the time, so the statue’s sitting position is significant (William R. 52). The role symbolized the Pharaoh’s authority over and dominance over his people. The chair’s shortened backrest, which also represented the Pharaoh’s need to maintain an upright stance, demonstrated his readiness to assume his duties as a king at any time. The statue’s attire most likely resembled the Pharaoh’s regal attire, and the decorations and symbols on the chair’s side may have had symbolic or religious significance.
The statue’s style exemplifies the artistic standards of the New Kingdom period, which was characterized by realistic portrayals of people and creatures. The statue’s proportions are anatomically correct, and the chair and clothing details are incredibly lifelike. The use of granodiorite in the figure was also noteworthy because it was a costly, rare stone that was only used for significant statues and monuments. Although the statue’s origin is unknown, Ramesses II presumably found it in a temple or palace. The size and grandeur of the figure suggest that it was intended to be exhibited in a public setting, perhaps in a shrine or other open space (Heilbrunn Foundation np). Ramesses II, who ruled from 1279 to 1213 BCE, was one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful and long-reigning pharaohs. He was renowned for his military campaigns, massive construction initiatives like the Ramesseum and the Abu Simbel temples, and the numerous statues and monuments he erected throughout Egypt to mark the occasion of his rule.
Even though most academics do not accept the biblical account of the Exodus as an actual historical event, several historical pharaohs have been proposed as the corresponding ruler at the time the story takes place, with Ramesses II being the most popular candidate for Pharaoh of the Exodus. Thomas Mann wrote about him in The Tables of the Law, published in 1944 (Dr Robert Glass, 47). In Joan Grant’s So Moses Was Born, a first-person account from Ramesse’s sibling Nebunefer describes his relationships with Bintanath, Tuya, Nefertari, and Moses and the intrigue, assassination plots, and power struggles that are documented in the historical record. Ramesses makes a brief cameo in this book.
In conclusion, the enormous monument of Pharaoh Ramesses II, built during the New Kingdom era of ancient Egypt, was a potent representation of the Pharaoh’s authority and power. The Pharaoh’s cultural and religious beliefs could be seen in the statue’s posture as a sovereign, attire, and chair design. According to Dr Robert Glass, the artistic approach and material choices made for the figure also spoke to the time’s prevailing social values and artistic conventions (49). The monument is a magnificent work of ancient Egyptian art and a reminder of the pharaohs’ dominance.
Takeaway Paragraph
After encountering the magnificent statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II Enthroned, I want the reader to comprehend the majesty and tenacity of ancient Egyptian art and culture. The statue is a stunning example of the incredible artistry and attention to detail that the ancient Egyptians were able to produce. Additionally, I want the statue’s posture and design to convey to the viewer Ramesses II’s cultural significance as a formidable tyrant and the leader of his people. The statue’s massive size and commanding posture exude authority and power. Its elaborate design, including the collar and chair, sheds light on possible ceremonial and religious settings in which it may have been used (Dyck et al. 30). By the time I am done, the reader will have a better understanding of the monumental statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II Enthroned and its artistic and cultural importance, as well as a better experience of the ancient Egyptian culture that produced it.
Works Cited
Dyck.A, Poussin.N, and Tiepolo.G. History of the Museum. (2023): 23-31
Dr Robert Glass, “Introduction to art historical analysis,” in Smarthistory, October 28, 2017, accessed March 21, 2023: (43-50) https://smarthistory.org/introduction-to-art-historical-analysis/
Heilbrunn Foundation, New Tamarind Foundation, and Zodiac Fund. Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. (2021)
William R. Jenkins Architecture, Design, & Art Library. University of Houston Libraries (2023): 50-54 https://libraries.uh.edu/locations/jenkins/
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