Légende
This tomb stele with the king's serpent is from Abydos in Egypt. It is known as the Stele of the Serpent King (one of the king's royal names). It owes its name to the cobra engraved at its center, and to Emile Amelineau, who discovered it in 1896. This is one of the oldest examples of monumental hieroglyphs from the earliest Egyptian dynasties (beginning in 3100 B.C.). This royal stele is outstanding both for its size and its craftsmanship. It is not only a historical document of prime importance, but also a precious example of artistic and linguistic conventions dating back to 3100 BC and the first pharaohs of Egypt. The cobra is contained within a rectangular sign representing a building (probably the royal residence). The outside, a decorated wall, and the inside (featuring the royal name) are visible. The rectangle is topped by a falcon, sacred to the god Horus whom the pharaoh incarnated on earth. The inscription thus reads 'Horus Cobra', naming the king, a successor of Horus in the royal palace.
Crédit
Photo12/Universal Images Group/Ivy Close Images
Notre référence
UMG25A01_291
Licence
Droits gérés
Format disponible
51,8Mo (1,6Mo) / 24,8cm x 52,3cm / 2931 x 6180 (300dpi)