THOMAS CAMPBELL: Nearly all of the statues in this gallery were from Hatshepsut’s enormous temple, which she had built at Deir el-Bahri. That’s the photo you see on this wall. It’s astonishing to realize that the structure—filled with highly refined sculptures, inside and out—was completed in only twelve years. There were clearly different teams of carvers at work; and we see evidence of that in this gallery.

Joining us here are Dorothea Arnold, Head of the Egyptian Department, and Marsha Hill, curator. They begin with the three heads high on the wall, behind the two kneeling statues of Hatshepsut.

DOROTHEA ARNOLD: What do you think, Marsha? I always start with the style of those three heads, especially the one on the right, which is an elongated face and kind of pointed features, and very highly raised eyebrows. What do you think?

MARSHA HILL: Yes, I think so. That small pointed face, the very small mouth that's turned slightly.

THOMAS CAMPBELL: These graced the front of the temple. Parts of these same sculptures are exhibited between the pillars to this gallery. They were along the temple’s highest portico.

MARSHA HILL: I think in a certain way, some of them especially towards the front--tend to have very large eyes…the ones all along the front….their eyes…seem especially large.

DOROTHEA ARNOLD: That's a lovely thought. They sort of stare into the landscape. And then if we turn around now and look at the large kneeling figure of the female Pharaoh, and with this beautifully preserved head; this is a much more even--

MARSHA HILL: Yes.

DOROTHEA ARNOLD: Isn't it?

MARSHA HILL: Yes, yes. It's very controlled and the smile is moderate. The face is perfectly egg shaped.

DOROTHEA ARNOLD: Yes, and the cheeks rounded and it all sort of plays together into an even and beautiful...

MARSHA HILL: Right, serenity.

DOROTHEA ARNOLD: Serenity is the right word I'm sure. Yes.