This New Kingdom stone sculpture features a detailed and elegantly carved face gazing out from the rough unpolished stone that forms the hair and upper torso of the figure. The broad curving lines of the eyebrows sweep down to form the bridge of the nose, leaving the wide-set eyes carved fairly deeply with pronounced eyelids. Although the figure’s mouth is closed with straight lips, the rounded cheeks and almost perfect symmetry of the face create a gentle and kindly expression. The face culminates in a flat chin. The polished texture of the face allows for the natural black and brown speckling of the stone to be seen, forming a beautiful surface for the figure’s skin. Other elements of the bust, such as the hair, arms, and breasts, have only been roughly indicated by their general shapes, without detailing or polishing.

This artwork seems to be in an unfinished state, shown by the contrast between the detailed smooth face and the rough stone surrounding it. One possible explanation is that the sculptor abandoned the work mid-way through the process, perhaps because of a white inclusion on the bridge of the nose which could have been seen as an imperfection serious enough to leave the sculpture incomplete. If this is the case, this artwork could allow us to gain an insight into the manufacturing process by which sculptures like this were created; after marking out the approximate form, the sculptor may have attempted the face first, as it was the most important area in which to achieve perfection. Despite the unfinished nature of this artwork, the harmonious proportions and far-seeing gaze characteristic of New Kingdom sculpture give it a sense of serene beauty.

The New Kingdom was the most prosperous period of ancient Egypt, when it was at the peak of its power. It covered the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties, spanning from around 1550 BCE to 1069 BCE. During this period, Egypt expanded its power into the Levant and Nubia, attaining the furthest extent that its territory ever reached. Some of Egypt’s most famous rulers were in power during this time, including Hatshepsut, Akhenaten and Nefertiti, and Tutankhamun, as well as Ramesses I and the ten successors who adopted his name. The wealth attained during this period allowed for a great deal of new building, including Luxor Temple, Malkata Palace, and the Ramesseum. A lot of art was also produced, including many sculptures like this one.