Egyptian, New Kingdom,
Dynasty XVIII
c. 1355-1335 BC
Sandstone
Approximately 13'
Akhenaton, husband to the beautiful Nefertiti, is often referred to as the
"Heretic King" for his monotheistic revolution in which he banished all of
Egypt's traditional gods in favor of the Aton, represented by the sun disc. He is also
known for encouraging a more naturalistic approach to royal portraiture. If this is truly
the case Akhenaton cut quite an unusual figure. Some have speculated that his bizarre
appearance may have been due to the practice of incest among the royal family.
Akhenaton