Relief of Amenhotep III, likely from Luxor Temple, 18th Dynasty
Joseph Lindon Smith, American, 1863 - 1950
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.
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