Figured Ostracon with Head of Akhenaten

ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E.

1 of 4

Object Label

Art of the Amarna period is characterized by a distinctive exaggeration and elongation of facial features and limbs. Artists learning the style sketched elements of scenes as well as larger compositions on flakes of limestone or potsherds, known as ostraca. Because sketches were typically discarded soon after they were finished, artists preferred to sketch on the readily available ostraca, rather than on expensive papyrus.

The ostracon displayed here represents Akhenaten and a fist holding a horse’s reigns. Some scholars have interpreted it as a study for a scene of Akhenaten on a chariot. Others see it as a caricature, due to Akhenaten’s exaggerated features.

Caption

Figured Ostracon with Head of Akhenaten, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E.. Limestone, pigment, 4 11/16 x 5 5/8 x 1 in. (11.9 x 14.3 x 2.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society, 36.876. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 36.876_SL3.jpg)

Title

Figured Ostracon with Head of Akhenaten

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

Document

Dimensions

4 11/16 x 5 5/8 x 1 in. (11.9 x 14.3 x 2.5 cm)

Signatures

L

Credit Line

Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society

Accession Number

36.876

Rights

Creative Commons-BY

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