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Chest of Akhenaten

New Kingdom, Amarna Period
ca. 1352–1336 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121
Several fragments discovered in excavations at the Great Aten Temple in Amarna were rejoined to form these shoulders and upper chest of Akhenaten. The sharp tendons in the throat and the prominent clavicles are characteristic of the heightened attention to the bony structure of the bodies of members of the royal family. Cartouches of the Aten appear on the king's chest; a third pair would have appeared on his abdomen, and others on each shoulder, and perhaps also on his wrists.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Chest of Akhenaten
  • 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. as mounted 23.5 x W. 34 x D. 22 cm; cartouche W. 2 cm
  • Credit Line: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1921
  • Object Number: 21.9.455
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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See 21.9.455, Indurated limestone
See 21.9.455
ca. 1353–1336 B.C.
See 21.9.455, Indurated limestone
See 21.9.455
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.
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.
Head from an Osiride Statue of Hatshepsut, Limestone, paint
Head from an Osiride Statue of Hatshepsut
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.

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