The Bust of Nefertiti

It's one of the most recognisable artworks of the ancient world, but who was Queen Nefertiti? And how did she and her consort, the Pharaoh Akhenaten, revolutionise the art and religion of Ancient Egypt? Join Alastair and James as they explore the mesmerisingly beautiful Bust of Nefertiti.  

Artworks in this episode include:
The Bust of Nefertiti, c. 1351-34 BCE, Neues Museum, Berlin
Tomb of Nebamun and Ipuky, 1391-53 BCE, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Statue of Amenhotep III, 1391-53 BCE, The British Museum, London
Colossal Statue of Amenhotep IV, 1350-33 BCE, The Egyptian Museum, Cairo
Colossal Statue of Amenhotep IV, 1350-33 BCE, Luxor Museum, Luxor
Akhenaten, Nefertiti and three of their daughters under the Aten, c. 1351-34 BCE, Neues Museum, Berlin
Bust of Akhenaten, c. 1351-34 BCE, Neues Museum, Berlin
Plaster Head of an Older Woman, c.1353-36 BCE, Neues Museum, Berlin

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Hosts: Alastair Sooke and Dr James Fox
Additional Research: Catherine Ingram
Producer and Editor: Ben Harding
Executive Producer: Emma Cahusac

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Introduction: The Discovery of Nefertiti
• 00:02:14 The Archaeological Dig at Amarna
• 00:06:14 Ancient Egyptian Art and Society
• 00:12:50 Amenhotep IV Comes to Power
• 00:16:51 The Religious Revolution
• 00:23:31 A New Artistic Style
• 00:34:35 The New Capital City
• 00:46:46 The Bust of Nefertiti
• 00:57:35 Authenticity Debates
• 01:04:17 The End of the Amarna Period
• 01:08:22 The Controversial Journey to Berlin
• 01:13:37 Modern Legacy