Stauette of a Man
This finely crafted statuette, carved from persea wood (Mimusops cf. laurifolia) and dating to the late 18th Dynasty (c. 1327–1295 B.C.), depicts a man in a composed striding pose. With one foot foward, he strides forth into eternity. Despite damaged, his refined image and the craftsmanship that went into creating this mini masterpiece is still evident.
Measuring 23.3 cm in height, the figure is shown with his arms dangling at his sides, dressed in a pleated fine linen wrapped cascading loincloth and adorned with a distinctive wig with triangular sides, an element characteristic of elite male figures from this period. He wears a shoulder-length black wig, which has been smoothed and gives an almost helmet like appearance, cut perfectly into a fringe bordering his face. His face has a nonchalant expression, his nose is missing.
The wood’s natural hues are enhanced with red, white, black, and yellow pigments, lending the figure a vibrancy that reflects the Egyptian tradition of bringing statuary to life through colour.
Formerly part of the Sabatier collection, the statuette was acquired by Curtis from Rollin & Feuardent in 1910, and later donated to the Musée du Louvre (E 22912) in 1938 under usufruct conditions, officially accessioned in 1939. Now housed in Sully, Room 639, this elegant figure provides a glimpse into the refined artistry and cultural ideals of the New Kingdom’s late 18th Dynasty, celebrating both the individual and the aesthetic canons of the time.
Persea wood (often identified with Mimusops laurifolia or related species) was a native tree species of Egypt, particularly abundant along the Nile Valley and in parts of Upper Egypt. The tree was valued for its fine-grained, dense wood, making it ideal for carving statues, furniture, and coffins. It was locally sourced, providing a durable and workable material for craftsmen throughout Egypt’s dynastic periods.
In addition to its practical applications, persea trees also carried spiritual and symbolic significance. The Ished tree, often associated with Persea, was believed to grow at Heliopolis, bearing sacred fruit that represented divine knowledge and eternal life. This connection further heightened the prestige of using persea wood in the creation of ritual and funerary objects.
Summary:
Wooden (persea wood) striding figure of a man
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1327-1295 B.C.
Excavation site unknown. Entered the Louvre through the Curtis collection, acquired from Rollin & Feuardent in 1910 and originally part of the Sabatier collection. E 22912
