New Kingdom pharaohs controlled vast wealth. Thebes was the religious center of the period, and Pharaohs built mortuary temples here and were buried in huge rock-cut tombs.
c. 1550–1070 B.C.E.
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Canopic Jar with a Lid in the Shape of a Royal Woman’s Head
"It seems to me that aesthetically this goes well beyond meeting the need of surviving into the afterlife."
Barry X Ball on an Egyptian fragment of a queen’s face
"It's balanced between this incredible idealization and humanity."
A bottle and a toy: Objects from daily life
Egyptian archaeological finds tend to be remnants of the rich—little remains from the rest of society.
Paintings from the Tomb-chapel of Nebamun
Scenes show Nebamun’s family at work and play, giving vibrant insight into the lives of ancient Egyptian elites.
Paintings from the tomb of Sebekhotep
Painted scenes placed in Sebekhotep's tomb illustrate his importance as an official, and represent his relationship with the king
The tomb-chapel of Nebamun
These lush wall paintings have been called “antiquity’s equivalent to Michelangelo.”
Hunefer’s Judgement in the presence of Osiris
Did Hunefer live an ethical life? See the judgment of the Egyptian gods—who weigh Hunefer’s heart.
Portrait Head of Queen Tiye
Tiye was a powerful figure, but her royal life was complicated, as demonstrated through this changing statue.
Thutmose, Model Bust of Queen Nefertiti
Found in an artist’s studio, this stunning bust exemplifies a change in style, and may have been an early prototype.
House Altar depicting Akhenaten, Nefertiti and Three of their Daughters
Upon becoming pharaoh, Akhenaten revolutionized the religion and artistic style of Egypt—at least until his death.
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