Portrait of a couple
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Portrait of a couple
3D
Published 2018-07-17T13:07:00+00:00
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Description
"The expression of her face is more mediocre than that of the man who looks exceedingly solemn and stern." Those were the words of the excavator of this seated couple, Max Freiherr von Oppenheim (1860-1946).
The portrait from a cult complex of Tell Halaf/Guzana, northeastern Syria, probably represents distinguished, perhaps even royal ancestors. According to the ancient Oriental beliefs, the spirit of the deceased could live on in an image. Through regular offerings, the survivors of their dead or ancestors remembered, thus ensuring a more enduring life in the afterlife.
Technical Information
| Date published | 17/07/2018 |
More Information
| Title | Portrait of a couple |
| Date | 9th century BC |
| Accession | Inv.-Nr. TH B 2 |
| Medium | Basalt |
| Credit | Found by Max Freiherr von Oppenheim |
| Record | https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/neues-museum/home.html |
| Place | Neues Museum |
Object Parts
