Fun fact: more statues πππππΎπͺ of Amenhotep III π³π§π have survived than any other 18th Dynasty pharaoh ππ», and this is a very interesting statuette of Amenhotep III π³π§π ! Amenhotep the III π³π§π was the father πππ of Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ, who was originally named Amenhotep IV, until he changed his name to reflect the Aten ππππ³.
The first thing that struck me was the artistic style. It seems to be very grounded in realism, which is odd because most pharaohs ππ»π¦ wanted to be depicted as being in peak physical condition. It also illustrates some aspects of Amarna-style art, such as the previously mentioned realism and the sagging/exaggerated belly. This piece almost seems to be a precursor to the Amarna style. I find these transition-type pieces so interesting!
The statuette is made of ebony wood π±ππΊ and has glass inlaid eyes πΉππ¦ and eyebrows. The hieroglyphs πΉππͺ on the base are thought to refer to one of Amenhotep IIIβs π³π§π sed festivals (he ruled for 38 years). The hieroglyphs πΉππͺ on the base also contain errors, which means it is probably of non-royal production. The exact purpose of the statuette is unknown, but it is thought that it could have been used in a household shrine ππΊ to the pharaoh ππ». Household ππΊ statues/shrines actually became popular during the reign of Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ.
