Relief of Amenhotep III, likely from Luxor Temple, 18th Dynasty

Joseph Lindon Smith, American, 1863 - 1950

Share

about 1925

Oil on canvas

Overall: 43 × 27 in. (109.2 × 68.6 cm)

Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth: Gift of the artist

P.930.5

Geography

Place Made: United States, North America

Period

20th century

Object Name

Painting

Research Area

Painting

On view

Inscriptions

Signed, lower left: JOSEPH LINDON SMITH. Label on reverse: CMA / 248.25 / EGYPTIAN

Label

A deep crack bisects the relief of the pharaoh Amenhotep III, a sign of the more than three millennia that have passed since the relief was carved. This, however, is a painting that strives to capture the appearance of Ancient Egyptian reliefs at the moment of their excavation. Despite the availability of photography in this era, scholars and the general public highly valued Joseph Lindon Smith’s work because of his ability to conjure the true essence of the carved stones.

From 1910 to 1939, Smith traveled to Giza as part of the Joint Expedition of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Harvard University. In addition to his unique textural treatment that evokes pitted stone, Smith also captured any remaining colors on the reliefs, most of which have since been lost. In the early 20th century, Smith’s paintings were featured in popular exhibitions that allowed the curious public rare views into Egyptian tombs.

From the 2025 exhibition Stone, Sand, and Clay: Connecting Cultures in the Ancient Mediterranean, curated by Ashley B. Offill, Curator of Collections

Exhibition History

Stone, Sand, and Clay: Connecting Cultures in the Ancient Mediterranean, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, June 7, 2025 - Ongoing

Publication History

Boston Globe, June 9, 1950.

Provenance

The artist, about 1925; given to present collection, 1930.

This record is part of an active database that includes information from historic documentation that may not have been recently reviewed. Information may be inaccurate or incomplete. We also acknowledge some language and imagery may be offensive, violent, or discriminatory. These records reflect the institution’s history or the views of artists or scholars, past and present. Our collections research is ongoing.

We welcome questions, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Please contact us at: Hood.Collections@dartmouth.edu

Subjects

Subjects: