Nefertiti Bust Analysis

“head of Nefertiti” does not. This is seen in the jawline, if you look closely you can observe a slight sagging of the skin, to an otherwise idealized face (Crystal Links). This gives a nod to the realistic style that Rome was known for.

Both sculptures appearances would be the equivalent of air brushing today. Like they say “there is nothing new under the sun”.

Function/Symbolism

The purpose of Nefertiti bust may have served as a model for full length sculptures or painting of the queen (Stokstad). The bust would have been considered as a sacred object, because rulers were revered as gods in human form.

The Flavian period created a climate of acceptance of one’s true self, hence the use of realism. The portrayal of realism in Roman portrait sculptures may have been developed from the tradition of keeping wax funeral masks of deceased family members in the ancestral home which were worn by mourners at family funerals (Cartwright).

Cultural Context

Ancient Egypt’s art was also influenced by the Amarna period, this can be seen in the Akhenaten sculpture, which was depicted in an androgynous and highly stylized manner. This was deviation from the conventional portrayal of royalty (Crystal Links).

Nefertiti along with Akhenaten

This is observed in the pure hue of red that was used in the background, now known as the Pompeian red, which compliments the tones of green used throughout the painting. The initiation chamber is 15 x 25 feet and consists of ten scenes (Art and Archaeology). The artist used naturalism to capture the culture and way on life of the Pompeian people, it’s seen in the way the individuals dressed and how the subjects are depicted. The person of honor or deity is centralized while subjects of a lower order flow in an almost disparaging manner. Which is consistent with the Roman belief and view of