Head of King Senwosret III

This head, a masterpiece of Egyptian craftsmanship, was part of a full-length statue that probably portrayed the pharaoh Senusret III in his mature years. The pharaoh is wearing a pleated head-dress ('nemes'), with the sacred serpent ('uraeus'), the symbol of royal power. In this piece the artist conveys the impression of a firm but very human character, though revealing the burden of enormous responsibility inherent in his position.
Made of obsidian, volcanic glass, a material of great strength and fragility, this portrait was produced at a time when a definite cultural and artistic renaissance was taking place in Egypt, as was illustrated by the flourishing of portraiture.