Colossal Statue of Ramesses II and Daughter

Author(s): C. Zarnoch, E. Sullivan

Description: This colossal statue depicts king Ramesses II Colossus with his daughter Bent’anta. The king stands, arms crossed, holding the crook and flail (symbols of kingship). He wears the nemes headdress with a “double crown” and the short shendyt kilt. At his feet, princess Bent’anta stands, wearing a crown of ureai topped with double plumes. In the hand folded across her chest she holds a flower. Although she is portrayed as an adult, her figure is significantly smaller than that of her father. This reflects not her actual size, but the difference in status between a king and a princess. The statue was usurped by the High Priest Pinedjem (21st Dynasty) and later by Ramesses VI (1143-1136 BCE).

Provenance: Fronting the 2nd Pylon
Person: Ramesses II and Bent’anta
Date: Dynasty 19, New Kingdom (1279-1213 BCE)
Material: Sandstone
Functional Comments:
Dimensions: Unknown
Current Location: In situ at Karnak Temple

Bibliography:

Porter, B., R. L. B. Moss, et al. (1972). Topographical bibliography of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic texts, reliefs and paintings 2., Theban temples. Oxford, Clarendon Press. pp. 37.