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Material : Limestone
Height : 10 . 5
Found in : Deir Al-medina , Luxor (1934)
Period : NEW KINGDOM
Dynasty: XIX
Archeologist : B . BRUYERE
This ostracon (fragment) was found while unearthing the rich archeological site of Deir Al-medina in Luxor . It is unsurprising that the skilful artists and craftsmen from Deir el¬ Madina had designed such a piece for they are known for being the professionals who made works of art out of the royal tombs of Biban al-Moluk .
This unique ostracon is decorated with a naked slim female figure dressed in a long transparent tight-fitting tunic and gently playing Egyptian lute . The stunning beauty of the elegant lady and the daring way in which she is carved expose a high degree of freedom and echo the exceptional ability artists at this age and place enjoyed . The talented painter was able to break all restrictions of the ordinary depiction of women known and widespread throughout the country and managed to come up with a more creative sketch in minute detail . The portrait forgets the traditional artistic models and official aesthetic conventions in favor of original and more daring representation . Interestingly , the woman's long curly black hair gracefully falls down onto her shoulders; and she freely removes away some locks from her face in a very realistic gesture .
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