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Nose and lips of Akhenaten

New Kingdom, Amarna Period
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121
Found in the dumps south of the Sanctuary of the Great Aten Temple or in the Sanctuary itself, this fragment is attributed to Akhenaten. The inner corner of one eye is visible alongside the nose.

Although there is little to distinguish many representations of the king and the queen, particularly relatively early in the Amarna years, the especially long line alongside the nose and lips and the sinuous upper lip support that identification.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Nose and lips of Akhenaten
  • Period: New Kingdom, Amarna Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Akhenaten
  • Date: ca. 1353–1336 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. 8.1 cm (3 3/16 in.); W. 6.3 cm (2 1/2 in.); D. 5.5 cm (2 3/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.1395
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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