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Following the death of Alexander the Great, his
empire was divided between his three generals,
each of whom set up their own kingdoms. One of
them, Ptolemy, took Egypt as his share and made
Alexandria his capital. Ruling as Ptolemy I Soter,
he established the last dynasty to rule Egypt with
the title of Pharaoh. For the next two and a half
centuries, the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Greeks
controlled Egypt, mingling Hellenic traditions
with the mighty legacy of the Pharaohs.
This magnificent marble model of an urn dates
to the Ptolemaic Period. In this example, the
overwhelming influence of Hellenic art and tastes
are clearly evident. Quite simply, the shape of
this work would not have been found in native
Egyptian vessels. The decorations, including the
fluted body and the band featuring a meandering
motif are typically Greek. While the stylistic
origins of this work are obvious, its function
remains mysterious. Here we have a replica of a
vessel that cannot function as a container. Its
conical lid only appears to be a lid; it is in
actuality attached to the body of the urn.
Presumably, this model is based upon an actual
cinerary urn that once existed in real life. But
why would one choose to commission a model of
an urn? Perhaps it served as an artist’s model, to
help a workshop of sculptors achieve
consistency. Perhaps it served as a votive
offering in a temple? Perhaps a family wanted a
reminder of a deceased ancestors last resting
place as a means of remembering their life? This
marble model was meant to last throughout the
ages, and is has. Today it is a testament to the
Greek influences that pervaded Egyptian culture
during the Ptolemaic Period.
- (X.0370)
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