Seti I ruled Egypt ca. 1314-1304 BC and is well known for his building projects and military campaigns.
His mortuary temple at Abydos contains numerous architectural features - two vast courts, two hypostyle halls, a so called “butchery hall” and two Osiris halls, just to name a few. These contain numerous works of art.
It’s believed that Seti I’s son, Ramesses II, may have finished portions of the temple after his father died.
The temple is built mainly of limestone, although sandstone was used in some areas. The outer courts and there pylons are severely damaged, with little remaining of them.
Its first hypostyle hall was initially decorated with raised reliefs by Seti I. A raised relief is when the figure sticks out a bit from the walls. After Seti I’s death Ramesses II converted them to sunken reliefs and had them repainted.
The second hypostyle hall contains several bas reliefs - the figures are slightly above the surface while the background is completely flat. By Seti I’s death all the reliefs had been carved, although some had yet to be coloured.
This is one of four bas reliefs that probably decorated a triumphal arch in honour of Marcus Aurelius on his return from wars with the Sarmatians and Germans. Aurelius is on horseback in military dress and his right hand is outstretched in a gesture of mercy towards Barbarian prisoners. Originally from the church of San Luca and Santa Martina, the relief has been in the Capitoline since 1515.
This is one of four bas reliefs that probably decorated a triumphal arch in honour of Marcus Aurelius on his return from wars with the Sarmatians and Germans. Aurelius is on horseback in military dress and his right hand is outstretched in a gesture of mercy towards Barbarian prisoners. Originally from the church of San Luca and Santa Martina, the relief has been in the Capitoline since 1515.
