Hatshepsut: From Queen to Pharaoh
(Metropolitan Museum of Art Series)
The Mysteries And Secrets Of Ancient Egypt Continue To Emerge
The female pharaoh Hatshepsut reigned for nearly twenty years during
Egypt’s early New Kingdom in the fifteenth century B.C. First acting as
regent for her young nephew/stepson Thutmose III, she in time assumed
the title of king and exercised the full powers of the throne as senior co-
ruler. In accordance with Egyptian tradition, Hatshepsut was often depicted
as a male king. After her death, however, monuments bearing her image
were ruthlessly defaced, and her name was erased from historical
accounts.
Hatshepsut’s rise to power and the nature of her kingship have long been
debated by scholars. This fascinating period, one of immense artistic
creativity, is illuminated by this volume’s rich presentation of monumental
royal sculpture and reliefs, ceremonial objects, exquisite personal items for

everyday use, and dazzling jewelry. Essays focus on influences from the
neighboring Near East, Nubia, and the Aegean; the innovative architecture
built by Hatshepsut; powerful figures in the royal court during her reign;
archaeological finds from this period; and mysteries surrounding the
destruction of Hatshepsut’s statues and the obliteration of her name.
The first in-depth treatment of the subject, From Queen to Pharoah is an
important investigation into the impact of Hatshepsut’s reign on the history,
culture, and artistic output of Egypt.
Personal Review: Hatshepsut: From Queen to Pharaoh
(Metropolitan Museum of Art Series)
This is one of the best books that I've seen on the art, symbolism and life
in Ancient Egypt. Set within the reign of Hatshepsut, a royal wife and
queen who transformed herself into Pharaoh, it looks at the lives of royal
women from the images and personal artifacts that have been left behind.
Each chapter takes a look at aspects of Hatshepsut's reign and life, as well
as the architect Senenmut, who may or may not have been her lover, but
was also her most trust confidant -- and to whom she turned the education
and care of her daughter, Neferure. One section that was of particular
interest to me were the displays of women's lives and those of children, a
topic that usually gets overlooked. There are exquisite pieces of jewelry,
goldwork and tiny statues -- one of a small child, no longer than a pinkie
finger, and holding an unbloomed lotus blossom, was particularly poignant.
Along with precious objects there were also everyday items from mirrors,
toiletry objects, small jars used to hold cosmetics and oils, to boxes and
games, and several very fragile pieces of furniture of exquisite
craftsmanship. All of these are shown in the catalog, each one with a
detailed description and what it was meant to be used for.
Another aspect that I really enjoyed was how Hatshepsut changed the
artistic styles that were in use in Egypt, and how it influenced later
depictions of rulers. Icongraphy that shows her wearing male attire, false
beard and holding symbols of regal authority are throughout, as well as the
unusual temple that she designed and built at Deir El-Bahri where she
intended to be worshipped and remembered throughout eternity.
The essays are clear and managed to be free of most jargon which would
drive away most armchair archaelogists and non-specialists. The book is
laid out in beautiful detail and design, giving plenty of room for the reader
to savor each object and the type and layout in a pleasing format. Despite

the hefty cost at 45$US for the paperback, and 65$US for the hardback
editions, it is well worth the price.
In short, if you can't get to one of the locations where this exhibition is
showing, this massive and exquisitely produced catalog is the next best
thing. The photographs and drawings are very crisp and clear, the writing
is informative, there are extensive notes and it provides a lovely
experience for anyone interested in the power of women in the ancient
world, or Egypt at the height of power and conquest.
For those who are interested in such things, this exhibition was shown in
San Francisco in late 2005/early 2006, will continue at the Met until August
2006, and will continue on to the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas
from 24 August to 31 December 2006. I do suggest that if you can, do try
to see this. It's worth it.
Highly Recommended.
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