Colossal bust of Ramesses II / Ozymandias

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Weighing a massive 7.25 tons, this colossal fragment of his statue was carved from a single block of striking two-coloured granite. The imposing figure is depicted wearing the distinctive nemes head-dress topped by a cobra diadem. The skilled sculptor cleverly deviated from traditional conventions to engage viewers, angling the eyes downward slightly, thereby creating a connection between the viewer and the statue. This thoughtful design enables the observer to relate more intensely with the artwork. Recovered in 1816 from the impressive mortuary temple of Ramesses at Thebes (also known as the 'Ramesseum'), this incredible relic was unearthed by Giovanni Belzoni. In his written account, Belzoni vividly described the difficulties he faced while attempting to remove it - both physically and politically. A significant hole can be seen on the right side of the torso, which is believed to have been made by members of Napoleon's ill-fated expedition to Egypt in the late 18th century. Their efforts to dislodge the statue were unsuccessful. The impending arrival of the head in England in 1818 served as inspiration for Percy Bysshe Shelley to pen his famous sonnet, Ozymandias.