The art that portrays pharaoh Akhenaten.
Analyze the art that portrays pharaoh Akhenaten. Take some notes on how Akhenaten is depicted in art. Think about Akhenaten’s reforms in Ancient Egypt. Watch the documentary The Golden Age: Treasures of Ancient Egypt on Films On Demand.
Sample Solution
Pharaoh Akhenaten is depicted in art as an androgynous figure with a long head, thin face, long neck, feminine hips, and prominent belly (Forbes 2017). He is often portrayed with his wife Nefertiti or their children. His facial features are distinctively different from those of other Egyptian rulers as they appear somewhat deformed. This may have been deliberate to show that he was different from the traditional notions of pharaonic power (Hess 2020).
Akhenaten’s reforms in ancient Egypt are also evident in the art. Artwork depicting him shows him making offerings to Aten, the sun god which he considered his protector and patron deity during his reign (Robins 2009). There is also evidence that he was a proponent of naturalism and thus encouraged artists to portray life more realistically than in traditional works (Davies 2003). In addition, many statues were commissioned by Akhenaten showing him in various poses such as offering sacrifices to Aten or leading processions through Thebes
The documentary “The Golden Age: Treasures Of Ancient Egypt” provides further insight into Pharaoh Akhenaten’s impact on Ancient Egypt. It details how Akhenaten challenged centuries old beliefs regarding religion by introducing monotheism and replacing all gods with one – Aten . He also initiated social reforms such as changing court protocol so that only members of his family could stand close to him when receiving visitors from foreign lands . Furthermore , these symbols depict how his faith changed over time – shifting away from polytheism towards monotheism .
In conclusion it is clear that Pharaoh Akhenaten had a profound effect not just on Ancient Egyptian culture but also its art forms. Artwork depicting him reveals a lot about what kind of leader he was; portraying an unconventional ruler who broke free from tradition while remaining faithful to his personal convictions.
