Nefertiti's Face

Joyce Tyldesley's Nefertiti's Face explores the origins and cultural significance of the iconic bust of Queen Nefertiti, revealing its historical journey.

In Nefertiti's Face, Joyce Tyldesley delves into the fascinating history of one of Ancient Egypt's most iconic works of art. The narrative begins over three thousand years ago in the royal city of Amarna, where a sculptor meticulously carved a limestone bust of Queen Nefertiti, the wife of the controversial pharaoh Akhenaten. This remarkable piece, adorned with plaster and paint, captured the extraordinary beauty of the queen, yet it was created during a tumultuous period that would soon see the royal family erased from Egypt's historical records. Following its completion, the bust was hidden away, forgotten in a storeroom for centuries.

The story takes a dramatic turn in 1912 when the bust was rediscovered and transported to Germany. Initially kept from public view, Nefertiti's bust eventually found its place in the Berlin Museum, where it quickly became a sensation. The allure of this ancient masterpiece transcended time, making Nefertiti an enduring symbol of beauty and intrigue. However, Tyldesley argues that the bust's fame often overshadows the broader context of the Amarna court and the multiple representations of Nefertiti that exist.

Through her exploration, Tyldesley not only recounts the journey of the bust from its ancient origins to its modern significance but also examines its dual role as both a political tool and a source of artistic inspiration. Nefertiti's Face invites readers to reconsider what this masterpiece represents in the tapestry of history, art, and culture.