nefretete-piekna-nieznajoma | Hurghada Egipt

Nefertiti - a beautiful stranger ...

Not many traces of it have survived. However, even these small passages leave no doubt that Nefertiti was phenomenally beautiful. Egypt's rich, mysterious culture continues to fascinate even those who have never visited this exotic country. One of the many objects that arouse admiration, despite the passage of time, is certainly an unusually shapely head, a slender, swan neck, perfectly cut lips, a shapely nose and, finally, an unusual look that leaves no one indifferent. Every visitor to the Neues Museum in Berlin, which now houses the famous bust, must admit that an extraordinary woman was the model of this work. The condition of the sculpture itself is also remarkable. Despite the passage of time, it shows no signs of deterioration. It is surprising that this world-famous sculpture was just ... a model for the students of one of the most perfect artists of ancient Egypt, Tuthmosis, to learn. This master was the court sculptor of Pharaoh Akhenaten, the husband of Nefertiti.

According to scientists, the sculpture is 3400 years old, yet both the polychrome and other elements are kept in almost perfect condition. The mystery, however, is the loss of the left eye in which there is no pupil. Most likely, the bust was used for demonstrations to learn and perfect the technique of eye sculpting - the key elements of each bust.

The monument itself was discovered over 100 years ago, on December 6, 1912, by the German archaeologist Ludwik Borchardt. During excavations in the ruins of the desert capital from the time of Pharaoh Akhet-Aton, Akhet-Aton came across he on limestone heads depicting various members of the royal family. Most of the finds were in the initial stages of development. Except for the bust of Nefertiti, which was the only one to show a breathtaking view. No wonder then that Borchadt was ready to do anything to transport the valuable sculpture to Berlin. In return for taking the bust away, the German side offered the Egyptians another monument, which only a few years ago turned out to be a fake ...

Currently, the head of Nefertiti is in the Neues Museum in Berlin. Egyptian authorities keep repeating demands for the return of the bust they believe has been stolen. Unsuccessfully. The beautiful bust thus became, like Helen's in ancient Troy, a bone of contention between the two states.

What do we know about Nefertiti, the graceful model of this bust? Unfortunately, not much. Scientists do not have certain information regarding the origins of the Egyptian woman. However, it is assumed that she was the daughter of Aia, a general in Akhenaten's army. After marrying Akhenaten, her name was changed from Nefertiti (the beauty that is coming) to Neferferuaton (beauty is Aten's beauty).

Akhenaten was completely staring at his wife, and it should come as no surprise to anyone. Maybe that is why the ruler ordered many reliefs depicting many moments in the life of the royal couple. Nefertiti, as the only queen in the history of Egypt, is depicted in these carvings in poses reserved exclusively for pharaohs, which shows how much the ruler's wife meant. fortunately, these monuments survived to destruction, and thanks to this it is known that Nefertiti is constantly depicted as a faithful worshiper of the god Aten. Apart from the scenes of the prayers of Nefertiti and Akhenaten, there are also bas-reliefs showing the moments of carefree play of the ruler with her six daughters. The preserved poetry of Akhenaten is also a testimony of his great love for his wife. The adoration and respect for his wife were so great that Akhenaten made her one of his most important advisers. At one point, however, the beautiful Nefertiti disappeared from court life in a very mysterious way. At first, scientists believed that the ruler was dead. But recent theories speak of her removal and relocation to a small village near the capital. Interestingly, in Armana, attempts were made to remove her name from reliefs or statues. How did the ancient Egyptian beauty deserve such great wrath of her husband? Are there any private matters at stake, or maybe the ruler's disappearance was the result of her introduction of a new religion, which was not warmly welcomed by the priests who were influential in Egypt? Today it is still difficult to judge. But one thing is certain: in the tomb of Meritaton, daughter of Nefertiti. the murals show the queen as a lawful member the royal family attending their daughter's funeral. Yet Meritaton's funeral took place long after Nefertiti's disappearance from Amarna ...

This is just one of the many secrets about the Egyptian woman, who aroused admiration in contemporary people, but also hate. Centuries passed, the canons of female beauty changed. At times laxity dominated in fashion, other times "Rubensian shapes". But to this day, the mythical Queen Nefertiti is associated with a beauty that does not fade away ...

text: Joanna Bielas