Figure of Akhenaten Holding an Offering Table

This painted sandstone statue of king Akhenaten was found besides a slightly shorter statue of his beloved queen Nefertiti, and depicts them both in an “offering” stance.

Although the forearm and hands are missing from this statue, it is evident from the pose and positioning of what remains of the arms, that this piece would have depicted the king holding an offering tray. Likewise, the statue of Nefertiti is the same.

The heads of both the king and queen are sadly missing from both statues, but due to the ancient destruction of the pair’s likeness, what does remain is a rare piece of Amarna art in statuary form.

Akhenaten was depicted unlike previous kings before his time, although a statuette depicting his father, Amenhotep III, later in life, was created in very similar fashion, showcasing a plump rotound monarch in pleated linen (see below).

Akhenaten can be seen in this statue with his typical depiction; with a rounded stomach and slight gynaecomastia of the chest, from the side his plump physique is much more visible.

There are many theories as into why Akhenaten chose to be depicted in such a unique fashion… Akhenaten was not only depicted “heavy-set”, but also was often portrayed both alone and with his family, with elongated almost cat-like or horse-like faces, which has become extremely recognizable among scholars and sparked many debates.

Why Akhenaten’s unique art style is so alarming for both scholars and probably for even the Ancient Egyptian’s themselves, was due to the strict rigidity of the Egyptian art cannon through multiple centuries. Usually kings and royalty and even elites of non-royal status would choose to be depicted at their societal best; dressed fancy, in shape, adorned with jewels and wigs of status, even if said person or monarch was not “in shape”, “young” or appearing as wondrous as the statues may make them seem.

Theories range from Akhenaten “gender-bending” with womanly hips due to the dual nature of his religious beliefs, and/or simply wanting to appear shocking with a touch of realism to showcase his artistic nature and the revolutionary changes he hoped to see Egypt embrace. None of these theories have ever been confirmed, and depending on which scholars you read, a different theory will be presented. There is no real official reason known currently for why Akhenaten chose such features for his depictions.

There are less exaggerated depictions of the king, from earlier in his reign, to his probably more realistic likeness from later in his reign being found among the rubble of the sculptor Thutmose’s workshop in el-Amarna. These depictions showcase a handsome man with recognizable features to the exaggerated statues more famous of the king. Thus, it is possible, Akhenaten simply chose a somewhat Picassoesque, unhuman like, exaggeration of his natural features.

Summary:

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, Amarna Period, reign of Akhenaten, c. 1353-1336 B.C.
Now in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. AN1924.162