description Bust of Nefertiti Overview
The Bust of Nefertiti is a painted limestone sculpture of the ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti, crafted by the sculptor Thutmose around 1345 BCE. Discovered in 1912, the artwork dates to the Amarna period and is noted for its detailed polychrome finish and symmetrical features. It has been housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin since its discovery, serving as a primary artifact for Egyptologists and art historians.
help Bust of Nefertiti FAQ
Where was the Bust of Nefertiti discovered?
A German archaeological team led by Ludwig Borchardt found it in 1912 at Amarna, in the workshop associated with the sculptor Thutmose. The bust later entered the collection now displayed at Berlin's Neues Museum.
Why does the Bust of Nefertiti have only one finished eye?
The right eye contains an inlay, while the left socket is empty. Researchers have proposed explanations ranging from an unfinished workshop model to a lost insert, but no single explanation is proven.
What is the Bust of Nefertiti made from?
It has a limestone core covered with modeled stucco and painted in vivid colors. This layered technique allowed Thutmose's workshop to refine the queen's facial features and tall blue crown.
Why is ownership of the Nefertiti bust disputed?
Egypt has repeatedly sought its return, arguing that the circumstances surrounding its division and removal were improper. Germany maintains that the bust was legally allocated after the excavation and remains too fragile for transport.
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