Detail View: The AMICA Library: Prancing Horse
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AMICA ID:
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MMA_.26.7.1293
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AMICA Library Year:
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2000
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Object Type:
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Sculpture
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Creator Nationality:
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African; North African; Egyptian
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Egyptian
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Title:
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Prancing Horse
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Title Type:
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Object name
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View:
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Full View
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Creation Date:
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ca. 1391-1353 B.C.E.
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Creation Start Date:
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-1390
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Creation End Date:
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-1353
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Materials and Techniques:
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Stained ivory, garnet inlay
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Dimensions:
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L. 6 in. (15 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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New York, New York, USA
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ID Number:
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26.7.1293
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Credit Line:
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Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
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Rights:
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Context:
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The horse was a relative latecomer to Egypt. It was introduced in the Second Intermediate Period during the Hyksos domination of Northern Egypt (ca. 1667-1570 B.C.), when new elements of warfare, notably the horse and chariot, were brought from the Near East. During the New Kingdom, this animal became a familiar sight and there were many depictions of horses in art, particularly during the Amarna Period. This small ivory handle of a light whip or fly whisk is carved in the form of a prancing or running horse stained reddish brown with a black mane. The eyes, one of which has fallen out, were inlaid with garnet. The lively carving of this piece, especially the gracefully arched back, typifies the ability of Egyptian artists to evoke the essential qualities of animals. It also exemplifies the fine quality attained in the decorative arts during the reign of Amenhotep III. |
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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MMA_.eg26.7.1293.R.tif
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