This limestone plaque depicts a man
facing right on both sides. On one side,
only the top part of the figure's head
is extant; he wears a crown with a
prominent uraeus. The other side is more
roughly carved and is oriented at a 90-
degree angle to side A. Here the head
and shoulders of a man wearing a
skullcap are represented. Although
traditionally called sculptors' models
or trial pieces, some scholars have
suggested that these objects were in
fact ex-votos. Although traditionally
called sculptors' models or trial
pieces, some scholars have suggested
that these objects were in fact ex-
votos. Otherwise, it is believed that
such works functioned as aids for
apprentices to learn the art of
sculpting step by step before embarking
upon royal commissions where one mistake
could mean disaster. Similar plaques
were unearthed in what are thought to
have been artist workshops, thus their
identification as models. It would be
unlikely that a wall panel would have
been carved on both sides. Perhaps the
difference in the surfaces of the two
sides served to alert students how a
work looks while in progress on one side
and once completed on the other. Today,
these plaques give us unique insight
into the creative process behind some of
the most endearing and enduring artworks
ever created by mankind.
- (X.0009)
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