No written documentary sources survive from ancient Egypt to discuss the visual arts. Listed here are some major monuments of the visual arts from ancient Egypt that represent "firsts" or high aesthetic achievements. Since artists were anonymous, no listing is included for the artist.

Colossal Head of King, BMA 54.3 (c. 2625 B.C.E.)—This head may be the oldest known over life-size head of a king, coming from what must have been one of the earliest colossal statues in Egyptian history.

Female Figurine, BMA 07.447.505 (c. 3500–3300 B.C.E.)—This figurine of a woman with a beak-like face is one of the earliest figures of a human.

Kneeling Statue of Pepi I, BMA 39.121 (c. 2338–2298 B.C.E.)—This early example of a statue of a kneeling king making an offering is a type that continued to be made for 3,000 years.

Narmer Palette (c. 3100 B.C.E.)—This...