Bronze Bust of Nefertiti on Alabaster

Vintage - 1970s

Bronze cast statue of Nefertiti

Mounted on a slab of Alabaster

Approximately 5” tall

NEFERTITI

Nefertiti, whose name means "the beautiful one has come," was one of ancient Egypt's most iconic and influential queens. She lived during the 14th century BCE and is best known as the wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, who ruled during the Amarna Period.

Nefertiti's exact origins are uncertain, but she likely came from a noble or aristocratic family. She rose to prominence when she married Akhenaten, who initiated a religious revolution by promoting the worship of the sun disk, Aten, as the supreme deity of Egypt. Nefertiti played a significant role in her husband's religious reforms and was depicted alongside him in many inscriptions and reliefs.

Nefertiti is perhaps most famous for her portrayal in ancient Egyptian art, particularly in the stunning bust discovered in the workshop of the sculptor Thutmose at Amarna. This exquisite limestone sculpture, now housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin, depicts Nefertiti with delicate features, a high cheekbone, and a serene expression. The bust has become an enduring symbol of feminine beauty and grace, capturing the imagination of people around the world.

Beyond her striking physical appearance, Nefertiti was a powerful and influential figure in her own right. She held the title of Great Royal Wife, indicating her status as the primary queen of Egypt, and she wielded considerable political and religious authority alongside Akhenaten. Nefertiti was also associated with the cult of Aten and may have played a role in the administration of state affairs during her husband's reign.

Despite her prominence during Akhenaten's reign, Nefertiti's fate remains shrouded in mystery. After Akhenaten's death, she disappears from historical records, leading to speculation about her ultimate fate. Some theories suggest that she ruled as a co-regent or even as a pharaoh in her own right after Akhenaten's death, while others propose that she died or was exiled during the political upheaval that followed.

Regardless of the uncertainties surrounding her life and legacy, Nefertiti continues to captivate the imagination as one of ancient Egypt's most iconic and enigmatic queens. Her beauty, grace, and influence endure through the ages, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history and inspiring admiration and fascination to this day.