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Granodiorite, height 15-1/2 inches
Egypt, Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III, 1391-1353 bc
Amenhotep III was the greatest builder and patron of the arts in Egyptian history. During his long and peaceful reign, Egypt reached the pinnacle of wealth and splendor through trade and mining, and his name is a byword for artistic taste, elegance, and quality.
This portrait captures Amenhotep III's exotic features to perfection. He has large, almond-shaped eyes accentuated by thick bands in relief, indicating eye makeup, and elegant arched eyebrows tapering off to a point. His mouth is full and sensuous, and his upper lip is noticeably thicker than the lower one. Traces of painted resin on the king's Blue Crown indicate that it was, in fact, painted blue, with the browband in yellow.
Gift of the Hanna Fund, 1952.513
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