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Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck

New Kingdom, Amarna Period
ca. 1353–1336 BC
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 121
The sculptured faces of Akhenaten and Nefertiti were destroyed not long after the royal family left the site, so that only fragments are preserved of their faces (see, for example, 26.7.1395). This head was put together from three joining fragments found in the Sanctuary of the Great Aten Temple at Amarna, or in the dump south of the Sanctuary area of the temple. As such, it constitutes one of the most substantially preserved images from the temple. The head wears the blue crown, indicating that Akhenaten is definitely represented. The line of his narrow left eye, long face, and full lips is preserved, but the long chin is broken away.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of Akhenaten Wearing the Blue Crown, traces of a hieroglyph behind the neck
  • Period: New Kingdom, Amarna Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Akhenaten
  • Date: ca. 1353–1336 BC
  • 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. 21 x W. 20 x D. 25 cm
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1957 (57.180.79, .81), Gift of Sherman E. and Ruth Lee, 1992 (1992.227)
  • Object Number: 57.180.79
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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