Pharaoh Ramses II remains stone cold and very still in the recline position in Memphis, Egypt.
Image details
Contributor:
W. Michael Wiggins / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
C152M7File size:
56.8 MB (3.1 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5459 x 3639 px | 46.2 x 30.8 cm | 18.2 x 12.1 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
22 January 2011Location:
Memphis Museum EgyptMore information:
Within the museum in Memphis is a giant statue of the pharaoh carved of monumental limestone. It is about 30 feet in length. IThe Ramese II statue was discovered in 1820 near the southern gate of the temple of Ptah by Italian archaeologist Giovanni Caviglia. The bottom of the sculpture has been broken off. Because of this fact, it must be displayed lying on its back. Several colours are still partially preserved. The real beauty of this statue lies in its detail of the complex and subtle forms of human anatomy. The pharaoh wears the white crown of Upper Egypt, Hedjet. The British viceroy Muhammad Ali offered for it to be donated to the British Museum, but the museum declined the offer because of the difficult task of shipping the huge statue to London. Therefore it remained in the archaeological area of Memphis in the museum built to protect it. This one was one of a pair that had adorned the eastern entrance to the temple of Ptah