Bust of Thutmose III

This marble bust of Thutmose III was found at Deir el-Bahari in two pieces. The head that you see here is original, and was found during excavations in 1964, whereas the body is a cast of the original piece, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The colours of the royal nemes-headdress are very strong, and the king’s eyes have been lined with black paint to give them extra emphasis. This bust is remarkable because it’s made of marble, a material not traditionally used in Egyptian art, which was primarily focused on stone like limestone or sandstone.

Thutmose III is depicted with serene and dignified features, which reflects the Egyptian artistic conventions of depicting rulers as calm, composed, and powerful. The bust also gives us a glimpse into the fine craftsmanship of ancient sculptors. It’s fascinating how this piece survives and offers insights into both the man and the broader artistic trends of the time.

The bust is an exquisite piece of ancient Egyptian art. Thutmose III, often referred to as the “Napoleon of Egypt,” was one of the most significant pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty. His reign marked a period of military expansion and great achievements.