Statuette of Akhenaten

This painted limestone statuette depicts an Amarna king, most likely, or even most definitely king Akhenaten. He is depicted in typical ‘Amarna’ style, with his rounded hips and chubby belly. Wearing the Blue Crown of War known to the Egyptians as the “Khepresh”, the king stands with his hands by his side in a pleated linen kilt (shendyt), while he is adorned with a usekh collar around his neck and white sandals upon his feet. Protruding from his crown is the golden uraeus.

The statuette (a statue smaller than life-size), is carved from limestone and is decorated with pigment and gold leaf. Despite the statue having no name upon it, the face of the king is recognizable as an Amarna Period monarch with his downturned mouth akin to Queen Tiye (Akhenaten’s mother), and Akhenaten. It is therefore extremely likely this is Akhenaten, but as with some of the unnamed pieces from this period, there is always the possibility of it being a depiction of the mysterious Smenkhkare.

Summary:

Painted limestone statuette of Akhenaten, with pigment and gold leaf detailing
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1352-1336 B.C.
From Tel el-Amarna, Egypt
Now at the Brooklyn Museum, NYC. 29.34