Artwork Page for Head of Amenhotep III Wearing the Round Wig

Details / Information for Head of Amenhotep III Wearing the Round Wig

Head of Amenhotep III Wearing the Round Wig

c. 1391–1353 BCE

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III

(1390–1352 BCE)
Medium
brown quartzite
Measurements
Overall: 17.3 x 17 x 25.3 cm (6 13/16 x 6 11/16 x 9 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 1961.417
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

Amenhotep wears a chin strap that would have held up a false beard.

Description

Although he must have been nearly 50 years old when this portrait was carved, Amenhotep III appears more youthful than ever. Over a round, curly wig he wears a diadem with side streamers adorned with cobras bearing sun disks on their heads. The stone quartzite was associated with the sun on account of its ruddy hues, ranging in color from brown to red to purple. It was a favorite of Amenhotep III, the king who called himself the "dazzling sun-disk of all lands."
A light brown rock sculpture depicts a man's head wearing a round, chin-length wig and chin strap. The surface of the sculpture has slightly worn areas on the head's nose and chin but is mostly smooth. The wig he wears is intricately carved, with a gridded pattern for hair, designs around it, and a design at the front and center of the crown.

Head of Amenhotep III Wearing the Round Wig

c. 1391–1353 BCE

Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE)

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