The Aten and a Symbol of a Goddess or Queen

ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E.

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Object Label

Egyptian religion during the Amarna Period is often characterized as monotheistic, but a detail on this block found at el Amarna casts some doubt on this interpretation. At the far right is a column capital of a traditional type found in temples and shrines of Hathor, one of Egypt's major goddesses. Was Hathor worshiped at el Amarna, or could the building where this column stood have been dedicated instead to Queen Nefertiti?

Caption

The Aten and a Symbol of a Goddess or Queen, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E.. Limestone, pigment, 9 × 13 1/2 × 5 1/2 in., 36.5 lb. (22.9 × 34.3 × 14 cm, 16.56kg) mount (dimensions as installed): 10 3/4 × 16 × 7 3/4 in. (27.3 × 40.6 × 19.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society, 36.886.

Title

The Aten and a Symbol of a Goddess or Queen

Date

ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E.

Dynasty

late Dynasty 18

Period

New Kingdom, Amarna Period

Geography

Place excavated: Tell el-Amarna, Egypt

Medium

Limestone, pigment

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

9 × 13 1/2 × 5 1/2 in., 36.5 lb. (22.9 × 34.3 × 14 cm, 16.56kg) mount (dimensions as installed): 10 3/4 × 16 × 7 3/4 in. (27.3 × 40.6 × 19.7 cm)

Inscriptions

yes

Credit Line

Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society

Accession Number

36.886

Frequent Art Questions

  • What do these hieroglyphs say?

    The ovals you see are called cartouches and they contain royal names.

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