Archaeological Museum of Bologna

The head, slightly smaller than life size, is decorated with a nemes headdress that is pulled down on the forehead, in the middle of which there is a uraeus. The face is oval, and the eyes, mouth and chin are rather small, above all with respect to the arched eyebrows and the lines of make-up.

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These features (the nose was restored in the 19th century) are identical to those of several statues identified with the pharaoh Thutmose III (1479–1426 BC), who was so young when he succeeded his father Thutmose II (?–1479 BC) that his stepmother Hatshepsut, celebrated at the great temple of Deir el-Bahari, ruled in his stead for about 20 years. Once he gained full power, Thutmose III launched an aggressive foreign policy and made Egypt the undisputed power of the era. This pharaoh must also be remembered for his intense building activity, witnessed by sacred edifices and sculptures, of which this head is a splendid example.

Provenance: Provenance unknown. University Collection
Datation: New Kingdom: 18th dynasty, reign of Thutmose III (1479–1426 BC)
Material: Dolerite
Dimensions: height cm 23
Inventory #: EG 1800