Relief Plaque Depicting a Queen or Goddess

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The Art Institute of Chicago Relief Plaque Showcasing a Female Ruler or Deity, Egyptian Era (305-30 B.C.) Limestone with Pigment Finish Size: 21.6 x 19.6 x 2.1 cm (8 1/2 x 7 3/4 x 1 in.) Acquired through Museum Purchase Fund, Artwork # 1920.259 Ancient and Byzantine Art Collection Not Currently Displayed Online Access: http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/121726?search_no=2&index=0 The depiction of this subject clearly highlights the change in Egyptian carving after Greek artisans worked under Ptolemy's patronage. This relief piece demonstrates how a female ruler or deity, wearing traditionally Egyptian attire and adornments, showcases Greek influence. Unlike her counterparts in older art pieces, however, she exhibits more realistic flesh tones on her face, particularly beneath her cheekbones and neck. As the Greek craftsmen were welcomed at Ptolemy's court, their naturalistic techniques blended with Egypt's traditional art style. The artist's rendering still maintains certain Egyptian traits, though, such as representing eyes from a frontal perspective rather than in profile. Her face also remains front-facing in an effort to preserve the more characteristic depictions. Goddesses and female monarchs of Egypt often adorned their heads with this very type of protective vulture-like headdress, complete with wide-spreading wings surrounding her head for additional protection. A combination of naturalism in the carving and soft chin is distinctly apparent during this Egyptian time period under the rule of Ptolemy. —From Artwork Information Label