Egyptian Bas-Relief Pink Limestone Fragment with Two Female Figures

From the 18th dynasty of the Egyptian New Kingdom, this ancient Egyptian Bas-Relief (Bas Relief) was carved from a pink limestone and depicts two female figures, their left arms raised across their chest holding lotus buds. In their right arms, they hold a stylized menat, a ritual object designed to foster fertility and good health in women. Both wear long, close-fitting garments.

Inscribed Egyptian Hieroglyphics with Name ‘Nes-Noub’

A beautiful Egyptian hieroglyphic inscription above the figures gives the name ‘Nes-Noub‘ (Noub is also known as Chnoubis among other variants).  The style of the carving allows a fairly precise dating to the reign of Amenhotep I (r. 1514 – 1493 BCE) at the very beginning of the 18th Dynasty. Features such as the well-defined nostrils, giving the nose a pinched appearance, are typical of this period.

From the Time of Pharaoh Amenhotep I (Amenophis I), son of Ahmose I

Amenhotep I, also known as Amenophis I, was the son of Ahmose I (r. 1539–1514 BCE), the founder of the 18th Dynasty (1539–1292 BCE).  Ahmose I completed the expulsion of the Hyksos (i.e., Asiatic rulers of Egypt), invaded Palestine, and re-exerted Egypt’s hegemony over northern Nubia, to the south.  He effectively extended Egypt’s boundaries in Nubia (modern Sudan).

H. 23 cm

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty (ca. 1550–1292 BCE)
This period marks the height of ancient Egypt’s power and cultural renaissance. The 18th Dynasty saw the reign of some of Egypt’s most notable pharaohs, including Amenhotep I and Thutmose III. It was a time of imperial expansion, refined art, and flourishing religious practice. Relief carvings like this were commonly created to honor deities and ensure eternal offerings in the afterlife.

Pink Limestone:
Pink limestone is a fine-grained, naturally colored stone prized in ancient Egypt for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Its warm hue made it ideal for temple reliefs, stelae, and sculptures. Easily carved, it was used to depict intricate figures and hieroglyphs with lasting clarity.

Private French Collection, French Passport # 125189