THE MENKAURE DYAD

Of all the statuary of Egypt's Old Kingdom, and perhaps even of all of Egyptian dynastic history, there is no better or more beautiful a work as the pair statue of Menkaure (Menkaura, Mycerinus) and a women, whose identity is uncertain. This video, which includes an interview with Boston Museum of Fine Arts curator Lawrence Berman, takes a deep dive into the symbolism, craftmanship, and history behind the statue.

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[kitharoidos]

It’s almost eerie to see this caliber of craftsmanship and artistry turn up in such an early era of history.
These statues have lingered in my mind since I first laid eyes on them. Especially the Khafre enthroned one. Hauntingly beautiful.

[erinmcgraw]

Yessss!!! 💙 I love these deep dives on one specific statue/sculpture! Thank you again Professor Miano!

[ralphyetmore]

These interviews covering specific artifacts and subjects are great. Imagine coming to YouTube and learning something, huh? Thanks, Professor Miano.

[louise]

I've always had a soft spot for the Nofret and Rahotep statues. Their faces are so lifelike.

[grammardad]

Larry is awesome— a true scholar. His tremendous depth of knowledge is matched by a great enthusiasm.

[dazuk]

The Menkaure statue with his wife is amazing. The only one that surpasses it is Khafre Enthroned imho. Big shout to Dr Berman, I really enjoyed listening to him as Egyptology is my thing. Great stuff as always WOA.

[billmorse]

I've drawn that piece several times while visiting my family in New England. Definitely one of the best in the MFA's collection.

[cordeliafitzgerald]

Thank you David and Dr Berman.

David your guest list is hotter than the top Jazz clubs. Thank you

[katherinegilks]

I am always in awe of how surprised people are that people could make art that was so beautiful in the past. The myth that people were primitive or stupid in the past is really pervasive. The statues are beautiful and awe-inspiring, especially how you have framed them in this video. The fact that this was done with ancient technology makes it impressive, but should not really be shocking.

[rcrawford]

Recognizing the face of the Pharoah reminds me of the two-week history of Rome trip I took. By the end, even the spouses with little interest in the history were recognizing emperor statues by face.

[lameesahmad]

This statue is beautiful. The artist has managed to capture a look of serene beauty in their faces and a look of contentment and joy. Thank you for once again providing so much valuable information about the context these statutes had in their original setting. The rituals explained by Mr Berman also show how Pharaohs were considered almost as gods even after their death. It allows you to travel through time and make you feel as though you are right there watching those ceremonies. It also brings to light the sort of institution and system that Moses (peace be upon him) went against even though he probably challenged a Pharaoh of the much later eighteenth dynasty.

[edwardedward]

An absolutely magnificent statue, it's incredible that such skill to make it existed so very long ago ! Cheers Eddie PS the civilization of that time must have been very advanced ! that's over 4000 years ago !

[JMMRanMA]

Wow! I thought I recognized that statue, so I went to the Boston MFA website, and sure enough it's there. There is an even more stunning seated Pharaoh at the entrance to the Egyptian wing! The MFA is enormous, and everyone who can should visit it.

[guymanuel]

Long form videos that both help me sleep and educate me. I rewatch these so many times lol

[donlawler]

Greywacke - never would have guessed. I remember studying this masterpiece in school 40 years ago and being told it was Diorite - had no reason to doubt it. 14:11 "Same way we would carve statues today..." (hmmm... )
good video of a great sculpture

[zlessly]

I love these more focused videos. I really enjoy how humanizing you are towards these. It’s easy to be cold and say some dates with a geographic location, but you put the life and humanity into such artifacts

[WildAlchemicalSpirit]

This is great! Fantastic interview, full of information and lively conversation. Much appreciated! 💖

[anitapollard]

Thank you, again, Dr. David 🤗 i loved witnessing this intimate encounter you had with an experienced, excited and very proficient Egyptologist/Museum curator!!

[EM-xgvo]

The best way we can learn and think about ancient civilization Thank you

[Clckclck]

"After increasing tensions and nationalist revolts, the United Kingdom invaded Egypt in 1882, crushing the Egyptian army at the Battle of Tell El Kebir and militarily occupying the country. Following this, the Khedivate became a  British protectorate under nominal Ottoman sovereignty.Modern Egypt dates back to 1922, when it gained independence from the British Empire as a monarchy." Deals with the 'Egyptian government' in 1905 was pretty much a deal with the British government.