Discovered beneath the palace of Merneptah, the Head of Queen Nefertiti is a an example of ancient Egyptian artistry, crafted from brownish yellow quartzite.
Unlike the famous Berlin bust, this depiction offers a more lifelike portrayal of Queen Nefertiti, showcasing intricate details and realistic features.
Originally part of a composite statue adorned with various colored stones, typical of the Amarna Period, the head features remnants of its original adornments.
It once housed eyes and eyebrows likely crafted from opaque glass, with a distinctive frontal band and a broad tenon suggesting attachment to a cap-like crown. Despite damage to the neck, nose, and ear tips, the head retains sharp-eyed expressions and delicately traced facial features.
Attributed to the workshop of Thutmose at Tell el-Amarna, known for its exceptional craftsmanship during Akhenaten’s reign in the 18th dynasty, this piece exemplifies the artistic mastery of its time.
Its style and execution mark it as a possible masterpiece by the same artist responsible for other renowned works from that period.
Currently housed in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.
Pharaoh Akhenaten and Nefertiti
From the outset of his rule, Pharaoh Akhenaten and his captivating queen, Nefertiti, embarked on a bold mission to challenge the entrenched belief system of Ancient Egypt.
Their resolve to upend the Egyptian worldview would set them on a collision course with tradition, pushing the nation to the edge of uncertainty.
Ascending to power amidst the pinnacle of Egypt’s ancient empire nearly 3,500 years ago, Akhenaten inherited a realm that stood as a global powerhouse.
Egypt’s military prowess was unrivaled, its fields yielded abundant harvests, and its opulent temples and royal residences gleamed with treasures. The prevailing belief held that these blessings flowed from the favor of myriad gods.
It was in this era of prosperity that Akhenaten ascended the throne with a radical ambition: to overhaul a religious system deeply rooted for over 1,500 years.
Read more: Why is Nefertiti missing an eye?
