8. The Seated Scribe, Serapeum, Saqqara, Egyptian,

Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty, c. 2620-2500 B.C.E.

Painted limestone statue, inlaid eyes: rock crystal,

magnesite (magnesium carbonate), copper-arsenic alloy,

nipples made of wood, height: 53.7 x 44 x 35 cm.

Musée du Louvre, Paris.

 

 

The Seated Scribe is the most famous of unknown figures. There has been very little information apprehended about the personage that is being represented; nor the name, title or the exact period during which he lived has been discovered. He is known as the “Seated Scribe” because of his cross legged position with the right leg crossing in front of the left. A white kilt is stretched over the knees acting as a support while his left hand holds a partially rolled piece of papyrus. It is thought that his right hand may have held a brush which is now missing. The most striking aspect of the sculpture is the face with its elaborately inlaid eyes that consist of red-veined white magnesite detailed with pieces of slightly truncated crystal. The backside of the crystal is layered with organic materials that give both colour to the iris and serves as an adhesive. The eyes are held in place by two copper clips and the eyebrows are marked by thin lines of dark organic paint. The hands, fingers and fingernails were sculpted with remarkable delicacy and fine detailed attention was paid to the broad chest marked with wooden dowels that served as the nipples.

 

The figure sits on a semicircular base that originally fit into a larger base which stated his name, origin and titles and was discovered by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in November 1850. The scribe is portrayed at work which is unusual in Egyptian statuary. Although no king was ever represented in this position, it seems that it was originally used for members of the royal family.