The Stela Of Mentuwoser
Sudarshan Ashok
Professor Sarah Thompson
Survey Of Western Art and Architecture 15th October, 2014
The Stela of Mentuwoser, made during Middle Kingdom Egypt, is a powerful piece of funerary artwork that primarily shows the importance of Mentuwoser, a steward under King Senwosret I, through the strongly worded hieroglyphics and the fine detail of the artwork.
The Pharaoh presented the stela to Mentuwoser in appreciation of his services, describing him as a loyal and well respected overseer, outlining his duties, which included overseeing more than 3000 people. But we can gather from the placement of the stela – it was placed in Abydos, a pilgrimage site in …show more content…
Central Egypt, honouring Osiris, the God of the Underworld –that it was more that it was more than mere form, that Mentuwoser truly held a place of importance, Osiris being the most important deity in the Middle Kingdom. The placement of a stela featuring a non-monarch in such a setting arguably indicates his closeness with the Pharaoh—perhaps as a trusted confidante.
The hieroglyphics state that it is addressed to three groups of people, scribes who read it, people who hear it read aloud, and people who approach it.
This touch of ensuring the message of Mentuwoser spread to as many people as possible further illustrates the importance of Mentuwoser.
The portrayal of Mentuwoser in the stela also goes to show his importance. The stela depicts Mentuwoser seated at a banquet, while his son, daughter, and father engage in religious rituals. From the very sizes of the characters, it is obvious Mentuwoser is the central focus of the stela. This style of using size to portray hierarchy is typical of Egyptian art of the period, and can be seen in other Egyptian art in the Tomb of Ti and the Victory Stele of Naram Sin.
The portrayal of Mentuwoser in composite view compared to the other characters in side view adds to his significance. The vertical arrangement of foods such as loaves of bread, squashes of onions and beef, which were primarily considered royal foods communicates to the viewer the luxurious lifestyle that Mentuwoser lead. The clear outlines that have been subtly carved to highlight Mentowoser’s muscles, jaw and cheeks further amplify his ideal
portrayal.
In conclusion, it is clear that this piece of art is intended to impress upon the viewer a sense of the elevated position Mentuwoser held. It successfully conveys a picture of a high ranking, loyal, and diligent official, honoured and held in great regard by the King, through the ages.
Professor Sarah Thompson
Survey Of Western Art and Architecture 15th October, 2014
The Stela of Mentuwoser, made during Middle Kingdom Egypt, is a powerful piece of funerary artwork that primarily shows the importance of Mentuwoser, a steward under King Senwosret I, through the strongly worded hieroglyphics and the fine detail of the artwork.
The Pharaoh presented the stela to Mentuwoser in appreciation of his services, describing him as a loyal and well respected overseer, outlining his duties, which included overseeing more than 3000 people. But we can gather from the placement of the stela – it was placed in Abydos, a pilgrimage site in …show more content…
Central Egypt, honouring Osiris, the God of the Underworld –that it was more that it was more than mere form, that Mentuwoser truly held a place of importance, Osiris being the most important deity in the Middle Kingdom. The placement of a stela featuring a non-monarch in such a setting arguably indicates his closeness with the Pharaoh—perhaps as a trusted confidante.
The hieroglyphics state that it is addressed to three groups of people, scribes who read it, people who hear it read aloud, and people who approach it.
This touch of ensuring the message of Mentuwoser spread to as many people as possible further illustrates the importance of Mentuwoser.
The portrayal of Mentuwoser in the stela also goes to show his importance. The stela depicts Mentuwoser seated at a banquet, while his son, daughter, and father engage in religious rituals. From the very sizes of the characters, it is obvious Mentuwoser is the central focus of the stela. This style of using size to portray hierarchy is typical of Egyptian art of the period, and can be seen in other Egyptian art in the Tomb of Ti and the Victory Stele of Naram Sin.
The portrayal of Mentuwoser in composite view compared to the other characters in side view adds to his significance. The vertical arrangement of foods such as loaves of bread, squashes of onions and beef, which were primarily considered royal foods communicates to the viewer the luxurious lifestyle that Mentuwoser lead. The clear outlines that have been subtly carved to highlight Mentowoser’s muscles, jaw and cheeks further amplify his ideal
portrayal.
In conclusion, it is clear that this piece of art is intended to impress upon the viewer a sense of the elevated position Mentuwoser held. It successfully conveys a picture of a high ranking, loyal, and diligent official, honoured and held in great regard by the King, through the ages.