Lot 1820
Amarna Relief Showing Two Servitors. Egypt, 18th Dynasty, Reign of Akhenaton (1352-1332 BC.), c. 1350 BC. The creme white limestone encompasses the juncture between to registers, with a broad horizontal band separating the two. The main device in the lower is that of two of the King's servitors left, bowing low. The further servant indicated with only a narrow profile outline, replicating that of the nearer servant. Perhaps another pair of servants bow before them. The men with relatively short wigs and white linen kilts. The best preserved of the two already shows the distinctive facial traits of Akhenaton's Amarna style, but in a more pleasing, less eccentric and exaggerated form than that which was already beginning to occur. Uncertain object seen in the upper register. The relief well preserved, and retaining much of the original coloring. The reverse side of the relief block partly rough-hewn, with remains of mortar, but the lower part clearly showing part of an inverted register of glyphs, with that of Maat being most prominent. These also hold a good deal of the original blue and red-brown paint. Size: 9" x 13" x 4"; mounted on custom stand.
Estimated Value $28,000 - 32,000.
Ex Munzen und Medaillen (Basel) Auk. 49 (6-27-74), lot 25.
It is apparent from the back side of this block that one of the techniques employed by Akhenaton to both promote his new faith, and break the power of the priests of Amun (with whom he was antagonistic to in terms of policy of monarchial absolutism) was to tear down or deface structures of that god, with the result that worked stone from those edifices, or others, was recycled for use in Akhenaton's new buildings. This was a process he engaged in quite enthusiastically. So it is not surprising that after the pharaoh's demise, and the fall of his family, that the same fate befell the structures erected by him. Large numbers of torn up reliefs from Akhenaton's monuments have been found within the walls of later 18th Dynasty structures, used as fill or bracing.
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