Paper short abstract:

The aim of this paper is to discuss the main characteristics of the royal portraiture in the Early Middle Kingdom through literary and statuary sources considering the aspects of innovation, but also of permanence, providing a comprehensive view of the period's ideology and its influences.

Paper long abstract:

Despite its deceptive immobility the Egyptian civilization had moments of change and innovation. The Early Middle Kingdom was one of these, in which took place a movement of administrative reform, cultural development and social transformation. Among the transformations is the redefinition of the role of Egyptian royalty in that society, as well as the relationship of the Pharaoh with his subjects.

The twelfth dynasty witnessed the emergence of literature as a division of written culture. Politics and literature were combined into a unique association in Egyptian history in a program promoted by a State with a high degree of self-awareness and self-reflection. As far as the pharaonic function is concerned, it is presented in idealized terms, however, another facet of it appears with its duties presented in a pessimistic way. The Pharaoh, despite being the centre of the Egyptian society, is represented as a lonely individual, burdened by responsibilities and fallible because of his own human condition.

At the same time, the official image of the sovereign is part of the ideological program propagated by the statuary which accompanied the changes of the period. In the reign of Senwosret III and his successor, the generally neutral and vigorous features of royal representations give way to sombre and aging expressions.

In this paper we intend to approach the unique characteristics of this period through literary and statuary sources considering the aspects of innovation, but also of permanence regarding the royal representation and its role in that society.