Gold Ring of Horemheb with Movable Bezel
A masterpiece of both delicate craftsmanship and regal symbolism, this ring, fashioned from gold in hollow bas-relief, boasts an intricate rectangular bezel framed by added spirals and stops, with a swollen, almost sculptural band that suggests opulence and command.
Upon its surface, hieroglyphs elegantly proclaim Horemheb’s coronation name, accompanied by depictions of a scorpion, crocodile, and lion – creatures emblematic of both the pharaoh’s might and the raw forces of nature he was believed to command.
Originating from Thebes, this relic found its way to the Musée du Louvre (N 747) through the discerning eye of Charles Clarac, having been acquired at the renowned E. Gastard sale in 1834. Today, it rests in quiet majesty within the Sully wing, a glimmering testament to Horemheb’s enduring legacy and the sophisticated artistry of Ancient Egypt.
Horemheb
Horemheb, who reigned from c.1319-1292 B.C., stands as a pivotal figure in the late 18th Dynasty. Rising from military ranks to secure the throne, he sought to restore stability after the tumultuous Amarna Period, marked by Akhenaten’s religious upheavals.
Horemheb’s rule was characterised by a reassertion of traditional beliefs, a revival of monumental building projects, and the laying of groundwork for Egypt’s transition into the 19th Dynasty. Though he left no direct heirs, his reign marked the closing chapter of a significant era, and his legacy endures in the enduring splendour of artefacts, such as this magnificent ring now housed at the Musée du Louvre.
Summary:
Gold Ring of Horemheb with Movable Bezel
New Kingdom, Late 18th Dynasty, reign of Horemheb, c. 1319-1292 B.C.
From Thebes. Now at the Musée du Louvre. N 747
