Ptolemaic King

Karnak

Detail from the temple of Ptah. The word "pharaoh" (Greek, from the Egyptian "per-a'a" or "Great House") was first used as a term for Egyptian kingship in Ptolemaic times.

This pharaoh is drawn with the typical chipmunk cheeks, rubber-band arms, bumpy butt, and knobby knees of the Ptolemaic style. Here, though, the style is not too exaggerated. An error of drawing appears above the king's right (viewer's left) shoulder. The king wears the red crown of Lower Egypt. His facing counterpart on the opposite doorpost (previous photo) wears the white crown of Upper Egypt.