The Bust of Nefertiti

The Bust of Nefertiti is one of the most famous museum pieces in Berlin, and for good reason. The bust is a priceless and beautiful depiction of the wife and chief consort of the Egyptian Pharoah Amenhotep IV, also known as Akhenaten. She has been found to be the mother in law to Tutankhamen, and is also notable because she may have briefly ruled before his ascension to the throne. The lovely bust is believed to have been the work of the sculptor Thutmose, as it was found in his workshop at Tell el-Amarna, Egypt. The piece exemplifies the ancient Egyptian knowledge of realistic proportions of the human face, and is in excellent condition for its age (circa 14th century BC). The inlay missing from her left eye is probably due to the bust's unfinished condition. The beautiful piece is located in Berlin's Altes Museum, and is certainly a must-see if you are ever in Berlin.

Janis Fowler