Artist Unknown

Female Portrait

  • Wood panel with gesso and paint
  • Egypt
  • Purchased 1973
  • 500 x 353mm
  • 73/230

In ancient Egypt, touching the forehead could be a sign of mourning, or a way of paying respect to a ruler or a god. This panel was likely made during the 300-year-long Ptolemaic dynasty, founded by Ptolemy I and ending soon after the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BCE, when Egypt came under Roman rule.

(Out of Time, 23 September 2023 – 28 April 2024)

Exhibition History