Final answer:
The statue of King Menkaura and Queen is significant because it represents the pharaoh and his queen-mother, reflects ancient Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife, and showcases the artistic skill of ancient Egyptian sculptors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statue of King Menkaura and Queen from the Old Kingdom, Fourth Dynasty is significant for several reasons:
- It portrays Menkaura, a pharaoh from ancient Egypt, and the identity of the queen is believed to be his queen-mother based on her prominence and protective gesture.
- The sculpture was created to ensure the rebirth of the king in the Afterlife, reflecting the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife and the importance of royal lineage.
- The statue captures the physical ideals of the time and showcases the artistic virtuosity of ancient Egyptian sculptors, with its serene beauty and meticulous finish.