Why is the Statue at Altes Museum in Berlin, Germany So Iconic?

The Altes Museum meaning the old museum is in Berlin, Germany and as the name suggests it holds art work and antiques belonging to the earliest civilizations. When it comes to the well-known objects of the museum and its exhibits, this type of statue is even more famous. This is a true work of art that many tourists are attracted by and placed in the central part of the relevant museum halls.

Discovering the Statue

Visits in the Altes Museum are supposed to present you to a gallery of art that hosts a statue that has seized the attention of thousands of viewers. And this is the genuinely marvellous bust of Nefertiti a.k.a the ‘‘Queen of the Nile.’’ The bust is credited to the sculptor, Thutmose, thought to have worked during Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, in the 14th century BCE.

The Charm of Nefertiti

Why does the Bust of Nefertiti stand out? First of all, its very good state is evidence for it has been existing more than 3100 years. The statue works as a representation of the fine and splendor of the beauty of this great queen, Great Royal Wife of Akhenaten.

Beneath the dress – erasing every fold and line – the queen has a smooth face with slender cheekbones, the nose and lips carved out in a mirror-image symmetry that attests to the high technical skill of Egyptian sculpture of the period. Thus the work of art is a marvelous example of the work of the sculptor Thutmose who made Nefertiti’s depiction to the finest detail.

The Symbolism Behind Nefertiti

Nefertiti has cultural and historical value of great importance. The bust is one of the best examples of the how the art of the ancient Egypt developed and what aesthetic and beauty standards where adhered to.

On one hand, as a sculpture, Nefertiti’s bust contains the invaluable artistic information about the Egyptian culture On the other hand, it also provides an insight about religious and political climate of the Egypt of that period. Nefertiti had an excellent chance to act as a patroness of the new religious movement associated with her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten, who established monotheism and gave worship to the solar disk Aten.

The general sleekness or smoothness of the form receives its definition as much from the broad physical plan – the broad, undecorated, negroid planes of the face – as from more localized or detailed elements such as the near-symmetrical symmetry of the bust: that is, the softly concave curves and rounded forms of the busts reflect the Amarna art style of Akhenaten and Nefertiti’s reign. This artistic style sought to depict Pharaoh and his queen as kings and queens per excellence; portrayed with long heads, narrow eyes, and glorious plump lips. Nefertiti bust illustrated the face of the idealized wife and thus underlines her power dominant position.

The Journey to Berlin

After its creation, the statue remained hidden for centuries until it was rediscovered in 1912 by the German archaeologist Ludwig Borchardt. With its remarkable condition and timeless beauty, the bust became an object of fascination, and negotiations began for its acquisition.

Ultimately, the bust was acquired by the Berlin Museum in 1913 and placed on display at the Altes Museum, where it has remained ever since. Despite debates over its ownership and requests for repatriation, the Bust of Nefertiti continues to attract visitors from around the world with its allure and aura of mystery.

Experiencing Nefertiti’s Presence

If you visit the Altes Museum in Berlin, don’t leave without spending some time touching and admiring the Bust of Nefertiti. As you can’t touch or sit or photograph the statue yourself, however, art aficionados can get right up close to savour its exquisite details from all angles.

Look again at the intricate hairstyle, the deep engravements of the eyes, and the swish of the traveller’s headdress, atop Nefertiti’s head. Think about how the edges and the eyes, the ears and the torso – think about all of these involved in equal measure, hang together in the composition, and give it its symbolical meditation. A unique chance to reach into the ancient world and to see, touch and enjoy, the artistry of, a bygone era.

If you are interested in ancient history, art, or the cultural heritage of Egypt then the Bust of Nefertiti at the Altes Museum is a must see!. Its exceptional beauty, and historical importance makes it an iconic example which still captivates visitors and scholars alike.