Questions and Answers
What period does the depiction of Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and three daughters belong to?
What materials were used in this sculpture?
Limestone
What is different about this depiction of the pharaoh compared to previous ones?
Doesn't follow conventional depictions; it is not idealized and looks more feminine.
What type of sculpture is this work?
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Low relief comes out of the background slightly, while _____ is carved into the background.
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Describe the scene of Akhenaten and Nefertiti in this work.
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How is the divine portrayed in this work?
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What symbolizes Aten?
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What is Akhenaten holding, and what does it represent?
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What significant changes occurred during the reign of Akhenaten?
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What was the function of this work?
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What happened to Akhenaten's changes once he died?
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Study Notes
Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and Three Daughters
- Originated during the Amarna Period, part of the New Kingdom, specifically the 18th Dynasty.
- Created between 1353-1335 BCE, utilizing limestone as the primary material.
Visual Analysis
- Depiction diverges from traditional male pharaoh portrayals, featuring a more naturalistic and intimate scene with family.
- A notable lack of idealization is evident, portraying Akhenaten with a more feminine physique and soft features.
Sculpture Type
- Classified as sunken relief, where figures are carved into the background rather than projecting outward.
Artistic Characteristics
- The scene captures a personal moment between Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and their daughters, breaking from previous formal royal portraits.
- Akhenaten's posture and expression convey a relaxed interaction with his family.
Divine Representation
- Illustrates the sun god Aten with realism; rays emanate from the sun, ending in small ankhs symbolizing life.
- Akhenaten's holding of an ankh signifies iconography related to eternal life.
Cultural Changes Under Akhenaten
- Capital was relocated from Thebes to Akhetaten as part of a broader cultural shift.
- Transitioned Egypt’s religious structure from polytheism to a singular worship of Aten.
- Altered representations of human figures in art, emphasizing realism.
Function and Context
- This work served a functional purpose as part of a house altar, emphasizing its domestic and personal significance.
- After Akhenaten's death, there was a reversion to previous practices, including the restoration of polytheism and traditional artistic conventions.
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Description
Explore key concepts from the Amarna Period through flashcards focused on Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and their daughters. This quiz highlights artistic representations and materials used during the New Kingdom, emphasizing how this depiction differs from previous portrayals. Test your knowledge on this fascinating era of ancient Egyptian history.
