Janiya Hall

Professor Benitez
Art and Culture 107 - BxB
February 14, 2024

It is worth noting that the idealization of Akhenaton's statue is not just about his physical
appearance, but also about emphasizing his religious beliefs and connection to the sun god Aten.
The elongation of the body and features in the statue is a deliberate distortion that symbolizes the
king's revolutionary religious principles. By embodying these ideals, the statue idealizes
Akhenaton as a divine figure and reinforces the importance of his religious reforms during his
reign.

On the other hand, Nefertiti's statue conforms more closely to traditional Egyptian artistic
standards of physical beauty and symmetry. However, the idealization of her statue is not just
about her physical appearance, but also about projecting her status as a powerful ruler. As a
queen renowned for her influence and authority, the statue conveys strength, dignity, and
authority, reflecting her important role in Egyptian society. In this sense, the idealization of
Nefertiti's statue is influenced by the amount of power she held, highlighting her elevated status
and leadership position within the ancient Egyptian hierarchy.

It is possible to identify King Narmer by examining the central serekhs ( Royal Named rectangle
squares with the falcons) on both sides of the palette. The unification of Egypt, in which Upper
Egypt conquered Lower Egypt, is often attributed to him. King Narmer is depicted wearing
different colored clothing on each side of the palette - white for Upper Egypt and red for Lower
Egypt. On the front of the palette, he is shown with his crown and a torch, while a person kneels
before him. The reverse side depicts King Narmer and the people under his rule. The narrative of
the palette is designed to captivate readers and convey a particular perspective. However, the
historical accuracy of this story cannot be confirmed, as there are no definitive records of King
Narmer's reign. It should be noted that "Narmer" was his given name, while "Menes" was a title
of honor.

Sources:
1. Robins, Gay. "The Art of Ancient Egypt." Harvard University Press, 2008.
2. Dodson, Aidan. "Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti, Tutankhamun, Ay, Horemheb, and the
Egyptian Counter-Reformation." The American University in Cairo Press, 2009.