King Amenhotep III’s sculptors developed a likeness with distinctive features. They give us the means to be able to pick him out from a line up quite confidently. Here are a few of his most striking characteristics:
1. Almond-shaped eyes. The eyes of Amenhotep III’s statues are consistently almond-shaped and obliquely set.
2. Looking down. Amenhotep's statues often have a downward gaze towards the viewer, with the eyeballs angled back from the top to the bottom lid. The larger the statue, the greater the angle was cut.
3. Chubby cheeks. Amenhotep III is often shown with a round face, with plump, youthful-looking cheeks.
4. Full lips. The contours of his lips are defined by a crisply-cut outline.
These specific features were reproduced in a variety of ways throughout his reign, from quite natural-looking portraits to more severe styles.
This large statue of Amenhotep III (EA 4) is in the British Museum.
It originally stood in his memorial temple at Kom el-Hettan, site of his famous Colossi of Memnon, and was probably intended to receive offerings and prayers for the eternal sustenance of the king’s spirit.
Photo: Mandy and Chris