Statue of Hetepdief

 Statue of Hetepdief

Old Kingdom, 3rd Dynasty, ca. 2686-2613 BC.

From Memphis (Mit Rahina).

Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 34557

The statue of Hetepdief is one of the earliest examples of private statuary, and more importantly, it is yet the first ancient Egyptian statue shown kneeling in the attitude of prayer while maintaining its conformity with ancient Egyptian artistic conventions.

On his right shoulder can be seen the Horus names of three 2nd Dynasty Kings Hotepsekhemwy, Raneb, and Nynetjer which could indicate that he served each of these monarchs. The name of Hetepdief’s father, Mery Djehuty, can be found on the base.