Although traditionally called sculptors' models or
trial pieces, some scholars have suggested that
objects such as this one were in fact ex-votos.
Otherwise, it is believed that such works
functioned as aids for apprentices to learn the
art of sculpting step by step before embarking
upon royal commissions where one mistake
could mean disaster. Similar plaques were
unearthed in what are thought to have been
artist workshops, thus their identification as
models. It would be unlikely that a wall panel
would have been carved on both sides. Today,
these plaques give us unique insight into the
creative process behind some of the most
endearing and enduring artworks ever created by
mankind.
A gorgeous rendition of a falcon standing to the
right on a rectangular pedestal has been carved
onto one side of this limestone sculptor’s model.
The Ancient Egyptians believed that the pharaoh
was the living incarnation of the sky god Horus,
who was traditionally depicted as a falcon or a
falcon-headed man. The intricacy of the
carefully incised feathers, claws, and facial
features is truly stunning. To the left of the
falcon, a coiled Uraeus cobra has been depicted
with an ankh dangling from its neck. The other
side of this limestone plaque depicts a man
facing right. The man wears a skullcap. He has a
delicately rendered ear, a frontal almond-
shaped eye, elegant nose, slightly smiling lips,
and rounded cheeks.
Is it possible that Egyptian artists sought their
inspiration not from nature but from such
models? Considering the stylization of Egyptian
art, it is clear that there was not much room for
individual interpretation. When one realizes that
many sculptors would have been responsible for
decorating a single tomb or temple, stylistic
unity becomes a foremost concern. While the
artist who originally carved the first falcon or
human head prototype was clearly inspired by
careful observation of nature, these are idealized
interpretations of a falcon worthy of symbolizing
the mighty god Horus himself and a man whose
beauty and refinement would be suitable for a
representation of a pharaoh.
- (X.0322)
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