This very beautiful and sensitively carved face mask comes from the inner coffin of a large sarcophagus.  The nicely preserved red paint was applied over a layer of gesso and linen.  The broad oval face has a delicately carved mouth indented at the corners; the lips are outlined and almost form a smile. The nose is straight with recessed nostrils.  The eyes are set wide apart.  As was the custom, the eyebrows and the cosmetic lines that surround and extend from the eyes are painted black.  This definition creates a striking and evocative work of art.  The artist who sculpted this face over 3,000 years ago was obviously a master.

ca. 1305-946 B.C.
H: 8 7/8 in
Provenance: Ex Charles Pankow Collection