Statuette of Bes

Cleveland Museum of Art

The Statuette of Bes by an unknown artist depicts a small, bronze figurine of the ancient Egyptian deity Bes. The statuette shows a short, sturdy figure with a large head, prominent facial features, and a distinctive crown on top of its head. The figure has a wide face with deep lines on the forehead, large eyes, a thick beard, and a large mouth with a protruding tongue. It has a large belly and is depicted with its arms at its sides and one hand near its genitals. The statuette appears to be made of bronze with a green patina. It is shown against a dark background with a shadow cast to the right. The overall appearance of the statuette is one of a grotesque yet endearing figure, characteristic of depictions of Bes.