Bust of Ptolemy II shown wearing the royal Nemes headdress with lappets falling either side of the face and over the shoulders, held in place by a simple band around his forehead, above which a uraeus rises. The almond-shaped eyes are precisely outlined, his jaw soft and cheeks rounded, his expression giving and an air of divine authority. The back flat. Losses are present to the nose, lips, and chin, which have been partially restored. Additional scattered scratches and surface losses are visible throughout, particularly to the temples and uraeus, and the upper portion edge of the headdress. The back has remnants of dark brown adhesive. The top of the headdress bears a faint inscription or inventory number, '146'. An old red collector’s number, ‘06.224’, is marked in the upper right corner.

This portrait shows how the Greek Ptolemies adopted traditional Egyptian art styles, reflecting their respect for local aesthetics and political customs.

The Nemes is an attribute reserved solely for the pharaoh, whilst the uraeus over the forehead, which is symbolic of the goddess Wadjet, represents divinity, sovereignty, and royal authority over Lower Egypt. The facial features, with softly modelled brow, crisp eyelids, slightly smiling mouth, and well- defined ears attest to the finesse of the craftsmanship.

The piece is part of a category known as "Sculptors’ Models", which were used from the Old Kingdom through to the end of the Ptolemaic period. They were likely practice pieces for training artists in royal proportions using the Egyptian grid system. While mainly instructional, some may have also served as votive offerings. Their continued use under the Ptolemies reflects the lasting influence of royal imagery and helped link the new rulers to Egypt’s pharaonic past.