The Pair Statue of Queen Ankh-Nes-Meryre II and her son Pepi II, currently located at the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, is a significant artwork from ancient Egypt’s 6th Dynasty. This multi-view statue is carved from Egyptian alabaster and depicts the queen and her son sitting side by side. Pepi II became king as a young child, and his mother served as his regent. This exceptional artwork portrays her protective role, with Pepi portrayed as a miniature king.
The statue is intricately crafted, and the queen’s dress flows beautifully, accentuating her feminine form. Her right arm rests gently around her child’s shoulder, symbolizing her affection and care for her son. Pepi is shown holding the crook and flail, symbols of his royal power, and wearing a broad collar with a falcon as a pendant.
This pair statue is unique because it features two “front” sides, allowing viewers to see the artwork from different angles. The statue’s frontal views show the queen and her son gazing straight ahead, while the profile views depict their serene expressions. This artwork provides insight into royal life during ancient times, showcasing the close relationship between a mother and her child, and their shared role as rulers of Egypt.
