"The Younger Memnon", Colossal bust of Ramesses II

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The Younger Memnon is an Ancient Egyptian statue that stands as one of two colossal granite heads from the Ramesseum mortuary temple in Thebes, Upper Egypt. It vividly portrays Nineteenth Dynasty Pharaoh Ramesses II wearing the Nemes head-dress with a cobra diadem on top. The damaged statue has since lost its body and lower legs, although it was originally one of a pair that flanked the Ramesseum's doorway. The head of the other statue remains found at the temple. Description The colossal granite head and upper body of Ramesses II are depicted wearing the nemes head-cloth and circlet of uraei. The sculptor skillfully exploited the bichrome nature of the stone to emphasize the division between body and face. A dorsal pillar is inscribed with vertical registers of hieroglyphs, showcasing the name and titles of the king and part of a dedication to Amun-Ra. In 1817, it was noted that there were traces of color upon the statue, suggesting that it may have been painted red in antiquity.