Regardless of its modest size, this portrait of the King is a masterpiece, pairing a fascinating visual aspect and an exceptional material. 

The material used, obsidian, is not found naturally in Egypt or neighboring territories but has been used in Egyptian art, mainly in a royal context. As solid as flint, obsidian requires mastery craftmanship to be sculpted without being fractured. Considered as a rare and precious material, its use to portrait Senworset III outlines the new iconographical intention of the Middle Kingdom king.

Contrasting with the idealized eternal youth defining the past productions, here, the sculptor is stressing on the individual features of the King’s face, using the signs of age as witnesses for the King’s responsibilities. Known as a wise and zealous administrator of his territories, his portraits still appear as tangible evidence of his lifelong experience.