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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs

A funerary mask from the Third Intermediate Period.

Aug 20, 2022 – Feb 12, 2023
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Two fabled kings in Ancient Egypt, both named Ramses, had military prowess in their blood. Ramses I was a simple commoner, who worked his way up to ruler of the country. Years later, his grandson, Ramses II, became Egypt’s “ruler of all rulers.” Expert in public relations, Ramses II impressed his followers and enemies alike with the splendor of such complexes as Abu Simbel and the Thebian village of Al-Karnak. He lived to be 91 years old and left Egypt strong. This exhibition features the greatest collection of the pharaoh’s objects and jewels ever to travel to the U.S. The colossal bust of Ramses II, which is still intact, makes a spectacular centerpiece. —Elena Clavarino

Photo: Sandro Vannini/courtesy of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco