Wind of change: Egyptian Art during the Reign of Montuhotep II

 Lecture 1: The dawn of Theban traditions 

At the time when monumental pyramids were being built in the memphite necropolis, a small town in the far south flourished, soon to become a political powerhouse in Egypt. Far from the political and cultural centre, local dignitaries took advantage of the weakness of the central government and began to write their own story. In Thebes and other provincial centres, local artists began to emerge, whose first works appeared in tombs from the end of the 6th Dynasty at el-Khokha. Their art may seem somewhat caricatured, lacking natural proportions, with some elements exaggerated at the expense of others. This style, which lasted until the beginning of the reign of Mentuhotep II, came to be known as the pre-unification Theban style. 

Lecture 2: The fruits of reunification 

Although the date when significant areas of the North were conquered by the ruler of Thebes is unknown, it is clear that this political event marked the beginning of changes in Egyptian art in his capital that would last for centuries. These changes are best seen in the most important royal building of the period – the mortuary complex of Mentuhotep II at Deir el-Bahri. The temple, which took decades to build, was decorated in stages, thanks to which we can now see the work of various artists on its walls. In addition to the pre- and post-unification styles present in the royal monument, the tomb of Queen Neferu, located in the northern part of the precinct, shows a transitional phase between the two styles. 

Lecture 3: Building programme of Mentuhotep II 

Despite politically difficult times, Mentuhotep II decided to emphasise his unique position by building temples and chapels also outside his capital. This work began even before the reunification of Egypt and continued after this process, which is perfectly reflected in the reliefs of individual buildings, including those in Abydos, Dendera and Gebelein. All these monuments bear witness to the changes that took place in the art of that period, but also in the royal titulary and the position of the ruler himself.  

Lucture 4: Wind of change in the non-royal context 

Mentuhotep II is, of course, the face and even the symbol of political process that aimed to lead Egypt out of the destabilisation of the First Intermediate Period and usher in a new era known as the Middle Kingdom. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that behind this process stood his courtiers, high officials and military commanders, without whom the king’s idea would have been impossible to implement. Therefore, their tombs, as houses of eternity, were also intended to bear witness to political and cultural events for all time. Some of them feature scenes executed in the local Theban style, which were always painted on plaster. The reunification of the country resulted in the enrichment of the residents of the new capital, which is reflected in the elaborate reliefs carved in a fine limestone, such as in the tombs of Khety, Intef and Meketra.