In ancient Egypt, mothers were understood to be a powerful force for the good of their children. In this sculpture, Queen Ankhnesmeryre II uses her arm to support her son King Pepy II, who came to the throne as a small child. The pose references the Egyptian goddess Isis, who after her husbands death, raised her young son Horus until he was old enough to reclaim his father’s throne. Isis' devotion to her son, and her ability to protect him, were emblematic of both the queen’s role and of mothers in general in ancient Egypt.
To all the mothers and mother-figures out there, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!
Statue of Queen Ankhnes-meryre II and Her Son, Pepy II, ca. 2288-2224 or 2194 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster, 15 7/16 x 9 13/16 in. (39.2 x 24.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 39.119. Creative Commons-BY
