Ostracon: Ramesses II Suckled by a Goddess

c. 1279–1213 BCE
Overall: 31.2 x 18.2 x 3.3 cm (12 5/16 x 7 3/16 x 1 5/16 in.)
Weight: approx. 5 lbs
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location: 107 Egyptian

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

The artisans who carved the tombs in the cemeteries lived in a tiny community not far from their workplace.

Description

Ostraca (singular, ostracon) are natural limestone flakes, common to the region of Thebes. The ancient Egyptians who lived there, particularly the artisans of the royal tombs, used them extensively as writing or drawing surfaces, both for practice and for instruction. Some are almost finished works of art; others are clearly sketches. Whether passing idle time or practicing their technique, these pieces provide a rare look at an ancient artist at work. This ostracon is decorated with a scene of the king suckled by a goddess. Although his body is that of an adult, the king (identified by the inscriptions as Ramesses II) appears child size. The goddess wears a long garment of vulture's wings--she could be any of a number of protective mother or sky goddesses.
Ostracon: Ramesses II Suckled by a Goddess

Ostracon: Ramesses II Suckled by a Goddess

c. 1279–1213 BCE

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 19, reign of Ramesses II (1279–1213 BCE)

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.