Statue of Minemheb
Date: c. 1391–1353 BC
Origin: Egypt, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty (1540–1296 BC), during the reign of Amenhotep III
Material: Granodiorite
A finely crafted statue showcasing the artistry and realism characteristic of the prosperous reign of Amenhotep III.

In this sculpture, the baboon represents the god Thoth in one of his animal manifestations. Minemheb was among the many court officials who assisted in organizing the 30-year jubilee festival of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

He clearly viewed this event as the pinnacle of his career, as his main title on the statue identifies him as the chief of construction for the jubilee temple. The piece is, in fact, a statue within a statue: Minemheb kneels while presenting a small altar that supports a figure of the god Thoth in baboon form.

Despite being carved from extremely hard stone, the sculpture is remarkably detailed and masterfully crafted. Particular care was devoted to depicting the baboon’s face, whose heavy-lidded eyes and furrowed brow lend it an almost contemplative expression.