Trial Piece with Relief of Head of Akhenaten
The slanting slitted eye, heavy everted lips, and drooping chin here recognizably signify the pharaoh Akhenaten.
This piece is a 'sculptor's model' from Amarna. Such models are roughly rectangular slabs of stone on which the representation is theorized to be a master's model for his assistants to follow while decorating a wall with relief or, alternatively, an apprentice's study piece. At least in some instances, however, such pieces may have been intended or served secondarily as donations. For instance, one such relief found in the Great Temple of the Aton at Amarna shows a kneeling figure on the reverse side of a royal representation.
The king's image appears to be unfinished, lacking characteristic furrows and lines and the royal uraeus.
This piece is a 'sculptor's model' from Amarna. Such models are roughly rectangular slabs of stone on which the representation is theorized to be a master's model for his assistants to follow while decorating a wall with relief or, alternatively, an apprentice's study piece. At least in some instances, however, such pieces may have been intended or served secondarily as donations. For instance, one such relief found in the Great Temple of the Aton at Amarna shows a kneeling figure on the reverse side of a royal representation.
The king's image appears to be unfinished, lacking characteristic furrows and lines and the royal uraeus.
Artwork Details
- Title: Trial Piece with Relief of Head 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), Petrie/Carter excavations, 1891–92
- Medium: Limestone
- Dimensions: H. 35 cm (13 3/4 in.); W. 23.4 cm (9 3/16 in.); D. 4.9 cm (1 15/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Fletcher Fund and The Guide Foundation Inc. Gift, 1966
- Object Number: 66.99.40
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
ca. 1295–1294 B.C.
ca. 1295–1294 B.C.
ca. 1295–1294 B.C.
ca 1525–1504 B.C.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.