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Bed of Queen Hetepheres I (reproduction)
Maker: William Arnold Stewart (English, 1882 – 1953)
Cabinetmaker: Joseph Gerte (American, 1886–1967)
Cabinetmaker: Joseph Gerte (American, 1886–1967)
Egyptian
Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4, reign of Snefru to Khufu
2575–2528 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Giza, Tomb G 7000 X (original)
Medium/Technique
Wood, gold, copper, silver, leather, faience, ebony
Dimensions
Height x width x length: 43.5 x 97.5 x 177 cm (17 1/8 x 38 3/8 x 69 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number29.1858
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsReproductions
DescriptionThose who could afford it equipped their tombs with all the necessities and comforts of life on earth, so that they could continue to enjoy them in the afterlife. For Queen Hetepheres, wife of King Sneferu and mother of King Khufu, these necessities included her entire bedroom suite: her portable canopy, bed with headrest, armchair, and curtain box, all designed of wood overlaid with gold.
On her bed, which was a mere 177 centimeters (5 feet 9 inches) long, the queen would have slept on her side with her cheek resting on the headrest. A foot-rest, decorated with a gold and faience design ofstylized plant motifs, both served as decoration and prevented her from slipping down. The legs mimic those of a lion, a symbol of royal power.
All of the furniture is noteworthy for its austerity of line and selective use of detail. The seeming simplicity masks sophisticated joinery. The beauty and technical achievement of these objects are matched only by the amazing story of their accidental discovery in 1925 and subsequent excavation and restoration. Because it was an unplundered royal tomb, the original contents remained in Cairo, as stipulated in the Expedition contract. The set in the Museum is an exact duplicate.
On her bed, which was a mere 177 centimeters (5 feet 9 inches) long, the queen would have slept on her side with her cheek resting on the headrest. A foot-rest, decorated with a gold and faience design ofstylized plant motifs, both served as decoration and prevented her from slipping down. The legs mimic those of a lion, a symbol of royal power.
All of the furniture is noteworthy for its austerity of line and selective use of detail. The seeming simplicity masks sophisticated joinery. The beauty and technical achievement of these objects are matched only by the amazing story of their accidental discovery in 1925 and subsequent excavation and restoration. Because it was an unplundered royal tomb, the original contents remained in Cairo, as stipulated in the Expedition contract. The set in the Museum is an exact duplicate.
ProvenanceFrom Giza, tomb G 7000 X (original). Reproduction commissioned for the MFA and made by Boston cabinetmaker Joseph Gerte, 1929.
(Accession Date: January 1, 1929)
(Accession Date: January 1, 1929)