<em>The Aten and a Symbol of a Goddess or Queen</em>, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E. Limestone, pigment, 9 × 13 1/2 × 5 1/2 in., 36.5 lb. (22.9 × 34.3 × 14 cm, 16.56kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society, 36.886. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 36.886_PS9.jpg)

The Aten and a Symbol of a Goddess or Queen, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E. Limestone, pigment, 9 × 13 1/2 × 5 1/2 in., 36.5 lb. (22.9 × 34.3 × 14 cm, 16.56kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society, 36.886. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 36.886_PS9.jpg)

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The Aten and a Symbol of a Goddess or Queen

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Egyptian religion during the Amarna Period is often characterized as monotheistic, but a detail on this block found at el Amarna casts some doubt on this interpretation. At the far right is a column capital of a traditional type found in temples and shrines of Hathor, one of Egypt's major goddesses. Was Hathor worshiped at el Amarna, or could the building where this column stood have been dedicated instead to Queen Nefertiti?

MEDIUM Limestone, pigment

Place Excavated: Tell el-Amarna, Egypt

DATES ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E.

DYNASTY late Dynasty 18

PERIOD New Kingdom, Amarna Period

DIMENSIONS 9 × 13 1/2 × 5 1/2 in., 36.5 lb. (22.9 × 34.3 × 14 cm, 16.56kg) mount (dimensions as installed): 10 3/4 × 16 × 7 3/4 in. (27.3 × 40.6 × 19.7 cm) (show scale)

INSCRIPTIONS yes

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 36.886

CREDIT LINE Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION White limestone block with sunken relief and inscriptions, apparently part of a large scene. Slightly to the left of the center is a very deeply sunk relief of the sun with the customary rays. On each side is a lotiform column with the royal cartouche on the outer sides. At the extreme right is a Hathor-headed column. Above these runs a plain cornice on which remain traces of a very brilliant blue paint. This fragment probably represented the facade of a temple or was at least architectural in form. Remains of tomato red paint can be found below the rays for the sun. The piece appears to have been mutilated in ancient times. Condition: The piece is very fragmentary and the surface is extensively chipped.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION The Aten and a Symbol of a Goddess or Queen, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E. Limestone, pigment, 9 × 13 1/2 × 5 1/2 in., 36.5 lb. (22.9 × 34.3 × 14 cm, 16.56kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society, 36.886. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 36.886_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 36.886_PS9.jpg., 2018

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

What do these hieroglyphs say?

The ovals you see are called cartouches and they contain royal names.