King Amenhotep III

sometimes read as Amenophis III

1403-1365 BC (18th Dynasty)

Luxor Temple

Excavations of Mohammed el-Soghair, 1989

The statue shown here stands 8 feet high and generally considered one of the most beautiful sculpture ever discovered.

Source: Hidden Treasures of Ancient Egypt, by Hawass (2004)

Gilded wooden statuette of Amenhotep III wearing a Blue Crown. Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York.

Tomb relief of Meri-re

The shining era of Amenhoptep III is mirrored in the art of that time, especially in the region of the northern capital, Memphis. Reliefs from that time have a special richness not only in form but also in their depiction of personal adornment, such as apparel, wigs and jewellery. The relief from the tomb of the tutor of the kings son is especially beautiful. After its discovery in mid-nineteenth century, the tomb filled up again with sand and its traces became lost. Only recently has it been rediscovered.