Statuette of Nursing Woman

Statuette of Nursing Woman
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
On View: Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
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The pose of the nursing woman—a standard one in Egyptian art—was also the hieroglyph meaning "nurse." Because its subjects are not identified, this little figure probably did not represent real individuals but rather served as a votive gift requesting a goddess's protection.
MEDIUM Limestone, paint
•Place Made: Egypt
DATES ca. 1938-after 1630 B.C.E.
DYNASTY XII Dynasty-XIII Dynasty
PERIOD Middle Kingdom
DIMENSIONS 4 9/16 in. (11.6 cm) base: 2 1/2 x 3 5/16 in. (6.3 x 8.4 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
EXHIBITIONS •Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity (On view since April 12, 2003)
ACCESSION NUMBER 51.224
Brooklyn Museum
brooklynmuseum.org
CAPTION Statuette of Nursing Woman, ca. 1938-after 1630 B.C.E. Limestone, paint, 4 9/16 in. (11.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 51.224. Creative Commons-BY
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Limestone statuette of seated woman nursing male child. Woman seated on uninscribed rectangular base, her left leg raised, foot on ground, the right leg on ground behind left leg. Dress ending at knee with fringed seam at rear. Heavy wig with rear, central division and two lappets on front. Illegible inscription incised on head of child. Condition: Front and back of base chipped. Surface worn. Left foot of woman missing. Some traces of red paint on bodies.