Art and identity in the Age of Akhenaten

Abstract

In this thesis, I investigate expressions of identity in the art of the Amarna Period, focusing on two main areas: firstly, artistic representations of the royal family and the Aten and, secondly, artistic representations of Amarna's elite within their tombs. I argue that rapid social and theological change under Akhenaten had significant implications not only for conceptions of deity and kingship but also for artistic self-expression amongst Akhenaten's officials. I illustrate this by comparison with earlier Eighteenth Dynasty tomb decoration.