Statue of King Djoser

This statue, found in a closed room called Serdab, northeast of the funerary complex of King Djoser at Saqqara, is the oldest known life-size statue in Egypt. It depicts King Djoser himself, seated on his throne and enveloped in a jubilee cloak. The statue was entirely coated with white plaster and painted. The deep-set eyes were once inlaid.

The king has a ceremonial false beard and wears a black wig topped by the royal Nemes headdress. The front side of the pedestal is inscribed with hieroglyphic text, indicating the name and epitaphs of King Nethery-khet of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Old Kingdom, 3rd Dynasty, reign of Djoser, ca. 2686-2649 BC. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 49158