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Fragment with Head of a Nubian Prisoner

Date
1550–1295 BCE
Material
Limestone
from
Egypt, Africa
Collection
Ancient Art
Current Location
On View, Gallery 313
Dimensions
12 5/16 x 24 11/16 in. (31.2 x 62.7 cm)
Credit Line
Museum Purchase
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
18:1940
NOTES
This man is bound with floral ropes that represent the lotus of Upper Egypt and the papyrus of Lower Egypt. The ropes indicate he is a prisoner of the Egyptian pharaoh. His hairstyle—rows of tightly curled locks of hair—the large hoop earring, and high cheekbones are characteristic of the way Egyptian artists portrayed Nubians who lived to the south. Artists employed stereotypical and often unflattering ways to distinguish foreigners from Egyptians.
- 1927
Alphonse Kann, Paris, France

1927/01/06
In auction at the American Art Association, January 6-8, 1927, lot no. 27 [1]

- 1940
Spink & Son, Ltd., London, England

1940 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Spink & Son, Ltd. [2]


Notes:
[1] This object was part of the collection of Alphonse Kann sold in auction by the American Art Association, January 6-8, 1927, lot no. 27. Confirmed by R. Forrer of Spink & Son, February 6, 1940 [SLAM document files]. The buyer's identity is not known.

[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, March 7, 1940.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.

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