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A rare ancient Egyptian limestone relief, dating to the Old Kingdom, approximately 2200 B.C.
The relief, almost certainly from a tomb wall, depicts part of a processional 'estate' scene. At the center, the lower body of a female servant can be seen in front of an adult gazelle, Gazella dorcas. The gazelle is being led forward by another figure behind,whose right hand is visible grasping a thick leash, looped at the top. The leash would very likely have attached to the lower front-right leg of the gazelle, now missing.
Depictions of this kind are sometimes referred to as a procession of estates - a pictorial demonstration of the wealth of the deceased individual and the offerings made in his/her honor.
The Gazelle is a relatively rare theme in Egyptian art, and the ancient artist has depicted the subject with fine detail and elegance.
Dimensions of sculpture: 8 7/8 inches x 8 7/8 inches.
Total width: 13 inches.
Condition: Fragmentary as shown with a section reattached at the top. No infill or other restorations. Remains of original polychrome decoration can be seen.
Provenance: Ex. Collection of Harley K. Baxter. Baxter was a surgeon in Melbourne, South Australia and acquired a large collection of predominantly Egyptian Antiquities over a 40 year period.
References:
Compare a relief depicting a servant leading gazelle in the Tomb of Amenemhat (Inner room) TT 82, Sheikh Abd el-Gurna.
For an interesting study on the appearance of the gazelle in Egyptian art see-
Strandberg. The Gazelle in Ancient Egyptian Art : Image and Meaning. [Thesis]. Uppsala; 2009. Uppsala Studies in Egyptology, 6.
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