Seated Statue of King Amenhotep III

The seated statue before you represents King Amenhotep III, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful and prosperous rulers. Reigning during the 18th Dynasty, around 1390–1352 BCE, Amenhotep III presided over a golden age of peace, wealth, and artistic achievement. His rule marked the height of Egypt's international influence, as the kingdom maintained diplomatic ties with other great powers of the time, such as Mitanni, Babylon, and Hatti, often exchanging luxury gifts and royal daughters. This statue, carved from red granite, likely comes from his mortuary temple at Kom el-Hitan in Thebes (modern-day Luxor)—once the largest temple complex in the world, now mostly lost to time. It’s believed that over 1,000 statues of Amenhotep III were produced during his reign—more than any other pharaoh. Many of them are monumental, celebrating his divine status, royal anniversaries, and his role as the earthly embodiment of order and harmony. Art from his period is considered some of the finest in Egyptian history. The scale and refinement of this statue demonstrate how sculpture during his time was used not only for religious devotion but also for propaganda—portraying the king as eternally youthful, serene, and god-like. Scholars believe this statue may have been erected for one of his Heb-Sed festivals, grand jubilees held to rejuvenate the king’s divine power after 30 years on the throne. These festivals were rich in symbolism, linking the king to the gods and reinforcing his continued right to rule. Today, this statue not only honors a king but reveals the splendor, ideology, and masterful artistry of one of ancient Egypt’s most extraordinary epochs.