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Torso of Nefertiti from a dyad holding a stela in front of the bodies

New Kingdom, Amarna Period
ca. 1352–1336 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121
This torso of Nefertiti was found in the Sanctuary of the Great Aten Temple or in the dump south of the Sanctuary area of the temple. It was part of a dyad of the king and queen standing together and holding in front of them a wide stela with names of the Aten. The queen's left arm was bent and she held her hand against the side of the stela.

Nefertiti wears a revealing smooth garment leaving one shoulder bare. Over that she has a pleated shawl whose short loop edge can be seen crossing between her breasts to the point where the shawl tied beneath the right breast.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Torso of Nefertiti from a dyad holding a stela in front of the bodies
  • Period: New Kingdom, Amarna Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Akhenaten
  • Date: ca. 1352–1336 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Middle Egypt, Amarna (Akhetaten), Great Temple of the Aten, pit outside southern wall, Petrie/Carter excavations, 1891–92
  • Medium: Indurated limestone
  • Dimensions: h. 28 cm (11 in); w. 29.5 cm (11 5/8 in); d. 21.5 cm (8 7/16 in)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1921
  • Object Number: 21.9.4
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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Head of Akhenaten in the blue crown, sign traces at nape of neck, Indurated limestone
Head of Akhenaten in the blue crown, sign traces at nape of neck
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
Trial Piece with Relief of Head of Akhenaten, Limestone
Trial Piece with Relief of Head of Akhenaten
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
Inscribed Element, possibly back pillar with Aten cartouche, Indurated limestone
Inscribed Element, possibly back pillar with Aten cartouche
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
Arm at wrist, Aten cartouches, Indurated limestone
Arm at wrist, Aten cartouches
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
Arm at shoulder, Aten cartouches, Indurated limestone
Arm at shoulder, Aten cartouches
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.

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