The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 16, 2024

Head of Amenhotep III Wearing the Round Wig

Head of Amenhotep III Wearing the Round Wig

c. 1391–1353 BCE
(1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE)
Overall: 17.3 x 17 x 25.3 cm (6 13/16 x 6 11/16 x 9 15/16 in.)
Location: 107 Egyptian

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."
  • ?-1961
    Mrs. Paul Mallon, New York, Sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art.
    1961-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
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Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1961.417