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Primary sourceSculpturec. 1353–1336 BCE

Relief of Nefertiti Smiting a Captive on the Royal Barge

Unknown Amarna-period sculptor · c. 1353–1336 BCE

A limestone relief from Amarna showing Nefertiti smiting a female captive, a pose of royal power usually reserved for kings.

This relief shows Nefertiti performing a kingly act of smiting an enemy, evidence of her unusual quasi-royal power.

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Close-up of a carved limestone relief showing a royal figure with a sun disk above, raying down with rays ending in hands, beside an ornate cornice and a figure on a boat-like structure with a curved prow at right. Surface is weathered.
Relief of Nefertiti smiting a captive on the royal barge, from Hermopolis, c. 1353–1336 BCE. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

About this source

What it is

This limestone relief, carved by an unknown Amarna-period sculptor around 1353–1336 BCE, was found at Hermopolis and dates from the reign of Akhenaten. It shows Nefertiti performing the smiting of a captive on a royal barge, beneath the rays of the Aten. It is held by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Why it matters

Smiting enemies was a scene traditionally used to show a pharaoh's power. Showing Nefertiti in this pose is unusual evidence that she held authority close to that of a king during the Amarna period, supporting the idea that she had unusually high status for a queen.

Look closer

  • Why would an artist give a queen a pose usually used for kings?
  • What does this relief suggest about how the Amarna royal family wanted to present themselves?
  • What is left out of this violent scene that might change how we understand it?

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