Special Exhibit
10 September, 1996-9 March, 1997
At the David and Alfred Smart Museum


This exhibit of ancient Egyptian sculpture and painting from the collection of the Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago explores the nature and function of "portraiture" and figurative art by examining how the Egyptians represented themselves and others. Special sections of the exhibit discuss the question of how status and role were conveyed by the artist; representations of the king; "folk art;" and whether the way that the Egyptians chose to portray themselves changed over time. Many of the 45 objects in the display have not been exhibited previously. Some of the highlights of the exhibit are statues of "Thenti, Chief of the Confectioners" (ca. 2400 B.C.); a brightly painted statue of Nenkhefetka and his wife Nefershemes (ca. 2300 B.C.) and a portrait of an unknown man from A.D. 200.

Please note that the galleries of the Oriental Institute Museum are closed for renovation. This exhibit is presented at the David and Alfred Smart Museum of the University of Chicago: 5550 S Greenwood Avenue, Chicago 60637.

Smart Museum Hours: Tuesday-Friday; 10:00-4:00; Saturday and Sunday noon to 6:00. Closed Monday. Admission is free.