During the time Akhenaten was ruler, Egypt existed in a time of peace and prosperity. This explains why Akhenaten was later portrayed not as the typical warrior pharaoh with handsome features. Akhenaten, formerly known as Amnhotep IV, changed his name to Akhenaten during the fifth year of his reign to show his allegiance to the god Aten. With this change came a new way of portraying himself and his family in Amarna art. Most portrayals of Akhenaten show him with a more naturalistic features, which are often described as grotesque. He is often portrayed with a long neck, face and fingers, wide hips which was a more feminine characteristic, and a pudgy belly. His elongated limbs are often thought to be the cause of him and his family having a illness, however this has not been proven. His representation in art changed drastically, by highlighting his more prominent features in a realistic way. This separated Akhenaten from his predecessors. He was also seen in many familial reliefs, with his daughters and wife, and them worshipping the god Aten. This shows that Akhenaten did not concede with the usual representations of a warrior pharaoh and a military leader.
Akhenaten, Nefertiti an their children under the protective rays of the symbol of Aten (Tel-el Amarna)
One of the main motifs in the reliefs of the Amarna Period, is the family portrait of Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and their children. They are often shown sitting upon each other, kissing, hugging and generally being involved in an ideal family setting. In all these reliefs, the Aten is showering down its rays of life and dominion upon the couple and their offspring. - Adam Ashcroft
The royal family are shown with elongated skulls and pear-shaped bodies with skinny torsos and arms but fuller hips, stomachs and thighs – Dr. Kate Spence
One of the main motifs in the reliefs of the Amarna Period, is the family portrait of Akhenaten, Nefertiti, and their children. They are often shown sitting upon each other, kissing, hugging and generally being involved in an ideal family setting. In all these reliefs, the Aten is showering down its rays of life and dominion upon the couple and their offspring. - Adam Ashcroft
The royal family are shown with elongated skulls and pear-shaped bodies with skinny torsos and arms but fuller hips, stomachs and thighs – Dr. Kate Spence
Relief showing Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti worshipping the Aten. Tel el Amarna, Aten Temple
Central to the concept of Kinship in the New Kingdom was the King’s portrayal as the warrior pharaoh. This was both a political and religious statement & emphasised the king’s role as upholder of ma’at (order and stability). In earlier times, the king was a distant and mysterious being held in god-like awe by his subjects. However, By New Kingdom times he was a more earthly, vulnerable figure who fought alongside his troops in battle.“Warrior Pharaoh” iconography in the New Kingdom traditionally depicted the king triumphing over the forces of chaos, represented by foreign enemies and bound captives- this promoted the idea of the pharaoh as a supreme, infallible and invulnerable being. The apparent absence of scenes depicting Akhenaten in the traditional warrior pose has led many scholars to assume that his reign lacked military dimension. Recent evidence, however, suggests he pursued a traditional foreign policy. A traditional warrior scene at East Karnak depicts Akhenaten killing prisoners beneath the rays of the Aten. - Sam Savvas
Central to the concept of Kinship in the New Kingdom was the King’s portrayal as the warrior pharaoh. This was both a political and religious statement & emphasised the king’s role as upholder of ma’at (order and stability). In earlier times, the king was a distant and mysterious being held in god-like awe by his subjects. However, By New Kingdom times he was a more earthly, vulnerable figure who fought alongside his troops in battle.“Warrior Pharaoh” iconography in the New Kingdom traditionally depicted the king triumphing over the forces of chaos, represented by foreign enemies and bound captives- this promoted the idea of the pharaoh as a supreme, infallible and invulnerable being. The apparent absence of scenes depicting Akhenaten in the traditional warrior pose has led many scholars to assume that his reign lacked military dimension. Recent evidence, however, suggests he pursued a traditional foreign policy. A traditional warrior scene at East Karnak depicts Akhenaten killing prisoners beneath the rays of the Aten. - Sam Savvas