Lion of Amenhotep III Reinscribed for Tutankhamun
From Gebel Barkal, originally from Soleb
New Kingdom, Eighteenth Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep III (about 1390-1352 B.C.)
Red Granite, 43-3/4 x 85-1/8 x 37-5/8 in.
EA 2, acquired in 1835, gift of Lord Prudhoe (cat. no. 51)
©Trustees of The British Museum, Courtesy AFA

This lion lies on its side with paws crossed. Its relaxed pose differs from that of the more traditional Egyptian lion or sphinx, which lies on its belly with parallel paws. One of a pair of lions, it was made for a temple of Amenhotep III at Soleb, in modern Sudan. King Tutankhamun restored this statue and inscribed it with his name. Later in antiquity, both statues were moved to a temple farther south. The British Museum acquired both sculptures in 1835.