The enigmatic Renaissance statue of Amenhotep Ill

The enigmatic Renaissance 

statue of Amenhotep Ill

This "Male God" from ancient Egypt was created during the 18th Dynasty corresponding to the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III approximately 1,390–1,352 BC. Although it lacks key identifying features the carving style is very similar to that of Amenhotep III's era the figure holds a "Was scepter" a symbol of power and governance and features a distinctive smile a popular artistic style of the time. It was discovered in the burial temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III on the west bank of the Nile River in Thebes Luxor Egypt.

Amenhotep III offering 14th cent. BCE 18th dynasty. Grand Egyptian Museum Cairo. The carving depicts a pharaoh 

offering incense and other offerings to a god such as Min-Amun.

This artifact demonstrates the refined carving techniques and unique artistic style of the Amenhotep III era the 18th Dynasty a golden age of Egyptian prosperity in art trade and architecture. The pharaohs were the builders of the colossal Luxor and Mortuary Temples as well as the giant rock sculptures "Colossi of Memnon" along the Nile River. They belonged to the first dynasty of the "New Kingdom" and are considered the golden age of ancient Egypt marked by territorial expansion magnificent architectural constructions and a flourishing of art.

This statue made of granodiorite dates back to the 18th Dynasty during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III approximately 1,390-1,352 BC.

Territorial expansion involved wars extending into the Middle East and deep into Africa. The center of power shifted to Thebes and large temples such as the Karnak Temple were built. Egyptian art became more refined delicate and realistic. Archaeologists have unearthed remarkably well-preserved 3,000-year-old ancient cities in Egypt including brick walls houses and artifacts from the golden age of the pharaohs dating back to the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III in the 18th century CE.