Wall Fragment of Men with Bows

Walters 22.98 is a painted limestone fragment of wall relief from the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri. Three archers are at least partially visible. Of the rear figure, only his left arm, with his hand clenched in a fist is visible crossing over the chest of the central figure. All that is visible of the rear figure is part of his right shoulder and the upper section of his bow. The figures form a line with the left arm of each man overlapping the right arm and chest of the man in front of him. The central figure stands with his face turned in profile toward the right and it may be assumed that the others are posed in a similar manner. His bow and quiver of arrows are held in his right hand and fall onto his right shoulder. He wears a short cap-like wig with rectangular plaits. His naturally shaped eye is wide open and overly large and his tear duct appears to be cutting into his nose. His lips are sharply outlined and his nose is defined by a deep crease. The flesh of the men is painted a dark reddish tone, however, a modern cleaning of this piece removed a significant portion of the pigment from the chest of the central figure.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Dikran Kelekian, New York and Paris [date and mode of acquisition unknown] [claimed from Luxor]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1924, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.