Amarna
One of the most fascinating episodes of Egyptian history is the so-called Amarna period when pharaoh Amenhotep (or Amenophis) IV of the 18th dynasty re-named himself Akhenaten, and together with his wife Nefertiti initiated the first monotheistic religion in the history of mankind. Around 1346 BCE they moved the capital of Egypt from Thebes to a new place called Akhetaton, or "Horizon of the Aton", today known as Amarna. Akhenaten replaced the traditional plethora of Egyptian gods with a single sun-god, Aton. He was considered the creator the Universe and always depicted as a sun disc with many rays ending in outstretched hands.With religious practice the style of Egyptian art significantly changed: depictions became more realistic, for example showing the royal couple playing with their children. This new approach made a lasting impression, while Akhenaten's new religion was short-lived. After his death, his capital was abandoned within a few years. His son Tutankhaton moved to Memphis, changed his name to Tutankhamun, and restored the old religion.
Akhenaten and Nefertiti: Royals, but Very Human
Portrait Bust of Nefertiti
One of the world’s most famous works of art, the bust of Akhenaten’s queen has never been restored since it was found in 1912 by Ludwig Borchardt in the studio of Thutmose. Here the Chief Sculptor doesn’t show an ideal beauty but a very real person…▶ The Berlin Egyptian Museum▶ Amarna
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The Statue of Nefertiti
Is Queen Nertiti shown naked? Not quite. But this statue probably shows her very much as she really was. The realism of art from Amarna corresponds to the new religion of Nefertiti's husband Akhenaten - celebrating life and creation in all its forms…▶ The Berlin Egyptian Museum▶ Amarna
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A Walk in the Garden
In art from Amarna, the bond between man and woman often symbolizes the harmony between god and the world. This can include subtle erotics – and in this relief, the surpising depiction of a disability. Does it show Akhenaten’s son Tutankhamun and his wife?▶ The Berlin Egyptian Museum▶ Amarna
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