This famous statue of Ramesses II from Egypt's Nineteenth Dynasty, is fashioned from red granite and has a height of 10.87 meters and weight of 83.5 tons. This substantial edifice represents Ramesses II seated, a standard depiction for pharaonic sculpture during this period. The statue's left foot is positioned forward, which is symbolic of the pharaoh's preparedness for the afterlife.
The statue exhibits a muscular physique consistent with representations of strength and power in pharaonic Egypt. Clad in a skirt and a royal nemes--a striped headcloth covering the head and dropping at the back of the neck--it reinforces the theme of regal authority. A false beard, an exclusive attribute of pharaohs and deities, is meticulously represented on the face.
The statue portrays a wide upper body with the arms placed on the throne's armrests. The hands hold a crook and flail, signifiers of leadership and rulership. A Uraeus, representative of Wadjet, the goddess of Lower Egypt, is prominently displayed on the headdress, symbolizing divine protection and monarchy.
Hieroglyphs garnish the statue's torso and base, recounting numerous titles attributed to the royal figure. They also detail events and accomplishments during the pharaoh's reign. The statue is installed in the Grand Egyptian Museum for its opening.
