Prince Ra-Hotep And Nofret

Painted limestone. Old Kingdom.
Egyptian Museum, Cairo.

These life-size portrait statues, from Ra-Hotep's tomb (mastaba) at Medum, date to the reign of his father Snefru (c. 2600 BC). Despite the stiff poses typical of Old Kingdom art, they seem very lifelike and appealing. Their realism and state of preservation - the color is original - are remarkable, and the statues are justifiably ranked among the great works of ancient art.

Ra-Hotep's titulary (hieroglyphs) includes King's Son, High Priest of Heliopolis, and General of the Army. His wife, Nofret, is titled "Acquaintance Of The King."