Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck

New Kingdom, Amarna Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121

The sculptured faces of Akhenaten and Nefertiti were destroyed not long after the royal family left the site, so that only fragments are preserved of their faces (see, for example, 26.7.1395). This head was put together from three joining fragments found in the Sanctuary of the Great Aten Temple at Amarna, or in the dump south of the Sanctuary area of the temple. As such, it constitutes one of the most substantially preserved images from the temple. The head wears the blue crown, indicating that Akhenaten is definitely represented. The line of his narrow left eye, long face, and full lips is preserved, but the long chin is broken away.

Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck, Indurated limestone

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Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck, Indurated limestone
Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck, Indurated limestone
Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck, Indurated limestone
Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck, Indurated limestone
Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck, Indurated limestone
Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck, Indurated limestone

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