Is that a fisherman’s wife? Here stands the Fischerin Bust. It has a story that stretches back through time.
The Nefertiti Bust is a painted stucco coated limestone bust. Nefertiti was the Great Royal Wife of Egyptian Pharaoh Akhenaten. The Nefertiti Bust is displayed in Berlin. It is at the Neues Museum. The bust is believed to have been crafted in 1345 BC by Thutmose. The bust was found in his workshop in Tell-el Amarna, Egypt. Nefertiti has become one of the most famous women of the ancient world. She is an icon of feminine beauty.
A German archaeological team found the bust in 1912. Ludwig Borchardt led the team. The bust has been kept at various locations in Germany. These locations include a bank cellar and a salt mine. It was also in the Dahlem museum. The bust was also at the Egyptian Museum in Charlottenburg. It was also displayed at the Altes Museum. It is now displayed at the Neues Museum in Berlin. This is where it was originally displayed before World War II.
Egypt has called for the bust’s return. They cite provisions that prohibited items of great archaeological value from leaving Egypt. Egypt accuses Borchardt of concealing its value. They say he smuggled it out of the country.
The Nefertiti Bust has become a defining emblem of ancient Egypt. It is also a symbol of European colonialism’s impact on Egypt’s history and culture. Egypt and Germany have argued over its repatriation. This began in 1924 when the bust was first displayed publicly. It has fuelled discussions about museums’ role in undoing colonialism.
Nefertiti means “the beautiful one has come forth”. She was the chief consort of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Akhenaten introduced a new monotheistic worship. This Atenism was dedicated to the Sun disc Aten. Little is known about Nefertiti. Theories suggest she could have been Egyptian royalty or the daughter of a high government official named Ay. She may have been a co regent of Egypt with Akhenaten. Nefertiti bore six daughters to Akhenaten.
The bust does not have any inscriptions. It is identified as Nefertiti by the characteristic crown. She wears this crown in other depictions. The bust was found on December 6, 1912. The German Oriental Company funded the archaeological team. James Simon founded the company. Borchardt’s diary describes the find. He remarked, “Suddenly we had in our hands the most alive Egyptian artwork. You cannot describe it with words. You must see it.”
A 1924 document recalls a 1913 meeting. Borchardt and an Egyptian official discussed dividing the finds. The secretary of the German Oriental Company said Borchardt wanted to save the bust for Germany.
The bust is 48 centimetres tall. It weighs about 20 kilograms. It is made of a limestone core. This core is covered with painted stucco layers. The face is symmetrical and almost intact. However, the left eye lacks the inlay present in the right. Nefertiti wears her blue crown. It is known as the “Nefertiti cap crown”. She also wears a broad collar with a floral pattern.
David Silverman says the bust reflects the classical Egyptian art style. The bust’s exact function is unknown. It may be a sculptor’s model. This would be used as a basis for other official portraits.
The bust has become one of the most admired images from ancient Egypt. It is the star exhibit marketing Berlin’s museums. It is seen as an icon of international beauty.
The bust has been in Germany since 1913. It was displayed at Simon’s residence. In 1923, the bust was revealed to the public. In 1924, it was displayed as part of the Egyptian Museum of Berlin. The bust created a sensation. It became a world renowned icon. In March 1945, the bust was found by the American Army. It was moved to the Reichsbank in Frankfurt.
Since 1924, Egyptian authorities have demanded its return to Egypt. In 1933, Hermann Göring considered returning the bust to King Fuad I of Egypt. However, Hitler opposed the idea. He said he would build a new Egyptian museum for Nefertiti.
In 2007, Zahi Hawass threatened to ban exhibitions of Egyptian artifacts in Germany. He wanted Germany to lend the bust to Egypt in 2012. Several German art experts have refuted Hawass’s claims. They point to the 1924 document discussing the pact between Borchardt and French authorities.
Henri Stierlin claimed the bust was a modern fake. However, scientists discovered the pigments used on the bust match those used by ancient Egyptian artisans. A 2006 CT scan proved the bust was genuine.
In 2003, the Egyptian Museum in Berlin allowed the artist duo Little Warsaw to place the bust atop a nude female bronze. Egyptian cultural officials called it a disgrace.
The North Dome Room was originally intended to house Greek sculptures. The room seems to have been made for this bust. The green and blue colour scheme complements the queen’s blue crown.
The Fischerin Bust is more than a sculpture. It embodies history. It sparks debate. Its beauty continues to captivate.