Head of a Royal

This small fragmentary head made from white limestone is clearly of the Amarna Period.

During Akhenaten’s reign, royal portraiture witnessed significant changes., there are numerous sculptures of Akhenaten and his royal household which deviate from traditional depictions of the monarchy.

Akhenaten is sometimes shown what some deem “androgynous” and highly stylized, with huge thighs, a slim body, hanging belly, full lips, and a long neck and nose.
Some suggest that the departure from convention was caused by “the presence at Amarna of new people or groups of artists whose background and training were different from those of the Karnak sculptors.”

Some argue that it was owing to the theological revolution’s shift towards using the royal family as an intermediary for communication with the deity Aten, resulting in eye-catching and even candid images of the royalty to welcome adherents to the Aten cult.

The events after Akhenaten’s death are obscure, as is the identity and policies of his co-regent and immediate successor, which are still being debated by scholars.

The right cheek, part of the right ear, the right eye, the root of the nose, mouth, and chin, a small portion of the left eye and ear, the left cheek, part of the neck, and the lower right rear border of the crown have all been preserved. Some red and black paint residue remains in the corners of the eyes.

Condition: Fragmentary with little pitting on the left cheek and discolouration on the right.

This head does bare similar style and serenity to two other heads of Amarna royalty, that we believe, due to familial resemblance, depict one of the king’s daughters. This head, however (Brooklyn Museum. 88.226.20) seems to have a slightly more adult face shape and is most likely representing Akhenaten or possibly, based upon likeness, his mother Tiye.

Summary:

Limestone royal head
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, Amarna Period, c. 1352–1332 B.C.
Most likely from Tel el-Amarna (ancient Akhetaten).
Now at the Brooklyn Museum (86.226.20), but not on display.