|
Egyptian Line
bust
Nefertiti Sun Queen Bust 12in
by Arkahdia Arts
|
|
|
|
Nefertiti (c. 1370 BC - c. 1330 BC) was the Great Royal Wife (or chief consort/wife) of the Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten. She was the mother-in-law and probable stepmother of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Her name roughly translates to "the beautiful (or perfect) woman has come". She also shares her name with a type of elongated gold bead, called nefer, that she was often portrayed as wearing. She was made famous by her bust, now in Berlin's Altes Museum. The bust is one of the most copied works of ancient Egypt. It was attributed to the sculptor Thutmose, and was found in his workshop. The bust itself is notable for exemplifying the understanding Ancient Egyptians had regarding realistic facial proportions.
She was the beloved wife of "heretic king" Akhenaton, who defied ancient custom by practicing monotheism and by elevating Nefertiti far above the role of subservient consort previously played by Egyptian queens. Her image has ravished Western viewers ever since a magnificent limestone bust unearthed at the royal retreat of Amarna. As Akhenaton swept away the old gods, dismaying many of his subjects, he needed a strong female figure to soften the abstract austerity of Aten, the sun deity; his beautiful queen was celebrated in official art and inscriptions that focused on the domestic life of the royal family.
|
Nefertiti Sun Queen Bust 12in Busts BU122
|
|
As far back as 5,000 years ago Egypt had introduced a style that, with surprisingly little
change, continued for almost 3,000 years. Rules for the making of statues were rigidly
prescribed, as were social and religious customs. Religion was the dominant force in life on Earth and it required certain preparations for the life beyond. Sculpture was entirely associated with the needs of religion and the gods or with the earthly rulers who were regarded as their representatives.
Of the many treasures excavated in Egypt the limestone head of Queen Nofretete is one of the finest. The breath of life seems to animate the face. The painted, subtly modeled surface and graceful flow of neck and features create a sense of startling realism.
|
|
|
| |
Arkahdia Arts Studio,
a European immigrant now living in New York started a studio dedicated to casting these pieces of Art. By focusing the business on two goals;(1) to save pieces which have been produced in another medium in bygone times, and (2) to bring new artist's work to the public, the product lines have prospered, delighted and excited.
|
|
|
