Block statue of Senenmut with the daughter of Queen Hatshepsut - Nefrure

About 2000 BC the repertoire of statue types was extended by the addition of the block figure. The earliest surviving examples of this form of statue were found in tombs, but before long the block figure started to appear in temples, thus permitting the person it depicted to take part in the cult of the gods. The body of the squatting figure withits knees pressed closely against the body has been reduced to the shape of a cube. Only the head protrudes, appearing all the more lively in contrast to the block-shaped body. This type of statue was especially popular during the New Kingdom and the Late Period. This may have been due to the fact that the surfaces of the cube provided ample space for biographical inscriptions by means of which the subject could introduce himself to those temple visitors who were able to read. The block figure is the only form of statue which was used exclusively by private citizens but not by the king. An exception is the block statue of Senenmut: he was the chief physician and director of building works under Queen Hatshepsut (1479–1458 BC) and was also the tutor of her only daughter Nefru-Rê. He commissioned numerous sculptures which portray him with the princess. Within the block he embraces her affectionately; only the head of the princess is visible between his legs. The Egyptian cobra on her forehead identifies her as a member of the royal family, and her name is engraved in the cartouche on the top of the block statue. Nefru-Rê is represented as achild, as can be seen from the lock of hair on one side and the index finger touching her mouth, which here is no more than a small protuberance.