Figure 2. Unknown. Akhenaten, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1353-1335 BCE. From the temple of Aton, Karnak, Egypt, Sandstone. http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-africa/art-amarna-akhenaten-and-his-life-under-sun-002587
Akhenaten, Egypts tenth ruler of the eighteenth dynasty. One of the most fascinating figures in all of Ancient Egypt. In fact, we knew nothing of him until the nineteenth century. It is widely believed by scholars that Akhenaten’s successors tried to wipe him from the history books. Akhenaten’s entire existence is shrouded in mystery and scandal, but the most interesting thing about the entire enterprise is the dramatically different style of art that comes about during his rule.(1)
The Colossal Statue of Akhenaten standing at 41ft is a sculpture of exaggerated proportions and distorted features in sandstone. His face is elongated with effeminate features. The lips are thick and full and accompanied by large dimples. The nose is long and thin and the eyes are perfectly almond shaped. The neck is stretched and the body has no muscle definition. His stomach protrudes out and down encapsulated by curvy hips. He may be dressed and holding relics like a Pharoah, but that is where the similarities end. Akhenaten’s depiction in this statue is way more natural than we have ever seen from a Pharaoh. It’s definitely a romanticized version of natural, but natural nonetheless. There is nothing masculine, heroic, or imposing in this figure like you would expect from a Pharaoh.
All of Ancient Egyptian art was highly stylized to show the strength and power of the ruler. So why would Akhenaten purposely have a statue made of himself that is exaggerated almost to the point of appearing feminine? One theory is that he didn’t, but rather his successor, had work done on the artifacts in an effort to obliterate any memory of Akhenaten. Another theory is that when Akhenaten began the monotheistic worship he wanted to appear otherworldly and God-like. The distortions made by the artist would have separated the Pharaoh from the common people in such a way that stood apart even from the elder Pharaohs. Yet another theory speculates that Akhenaten may have actually had a genetic disorder or even possibly that he was hermaphroditic.(2)
What if the purpose was just the opposite of trying to look heroic and kingly? What if Akhenaten wanted to appear more natural to his people? What if he knew that appearing effeminate would make him a more relatable and beloved to the people? Whatever the case may be, we have a break in the monotony of Ancient Egyptian art with the appearance of the Pharaoh Akhenaten. We have a lovely realistic king who appears romantic and beautiful.
Cyril, Aldred. Akhenaten: King of Egypt. London: Thames and Hudson, 1988
Hi, Ashley. I think this is a unique statue you chose. I also found it interesting the way they chose to portray Akhenaten because of all the theories listed. Makes me curious to know more about it!
ReplyDeletehey Ashley, i like your view on how the statue was made and that he may not have been trying to look the part and wanted to just look like a normal person. i find it interesting that the successors tried to do away with his dynasty and part in history. great post.
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