Ramose was vizier during the reign of Amenhotep III, and perhaps for a time under his successor, the religious reformer Amenhotep IV, who was to change his name to Akhenaton. Ramose's tomb shows a clear transition from the artistic standards of the reign of Amenhotep III to the yet more mannered art of the Amarna period, and its carved walls are widely and justly admired for the exquisite beauty of their reliefs. The scene pictured here, in the more restrained and elegant style that predates the Amarna period, depicts two close relations of Ramose--the Overseer of the Horses of the Lord of the Two Lands, the Royal Messenger in All Countries, May, and his wife, Werel. Particularly noteworthy is the contrast between the gem-like cutting of the wig curls and the uncarved swelling of the orbs of the eyes, which are highlighted only in black paint.

• Silver gelatin on glass
• 23.5 x 29.5 cm
• $485.00