Unfinished Portrait of Nefertiti
ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E
1 of 4
Object Label
Artistic style drastically changed during the Amarna Period. Because artists had to quickly adapt to the new style, they left behind an unprecedented number of trial pieces and sculptor’s models. Such unfinished works reveal the artistic process of ancient sculptors.
The initial sketch in black ink outlines Nefertiti’s tall crown, and indicates her facial features and long neck with neck folds. The artist began sculpting the relief by carving away stone around Nefertiti’s profile and marking out the eyes, lips, and ear.
The initial sketch in black ink outlines Nefertiti’s tall crown, and indicates her facial features and long neck with neck folds. The artist began sculpting the relief by carving away stone around Nefertiti’s profile and marking out the eyes, lips, and ear.
Caption
Unfinished Portrait of Nefertiti, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E. Limestone, pigment, 5 7/16 × 5 1/4 in. (13.8 × 13.3 cm) mount (deck mount m2): 6 × 6 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (15.2 × 16.5 × 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society, 33.686. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Unfinished Portrait of Nefertiti
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
Dimensions
5 7/16 × 5 1/4 in. (13.8 × 13.3 cm) mount (deck mount m2): 6 × 6 1/2 × 5 1/2 in. (15.2 × 16.5 × 14 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society
Accession Number
33.686
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