Stela of Kel. New Kingdom. 19th dynasty, Ramesses II (1279–1213 BC), limestone bas-relief, Cat. 1636. Museo Egizio, Turin, Italy.
One of the most celebrated queens of Egypt is the star of the Kimbell Art Museum's latest exhibit — "Queen Nefertari’s Egypt."
The showcase, which opens Sunday and runs through March 14, features 230 artifacts from temples, tombs, palaces, and the artisan village of Deir el-Medina — all giving viewers a glimpse of Egyptian culture about 3,000 years ago. From statues and vases to jewelry and papyrus manuscripts, each piece highlights the role of women — notably, goddesses, queens, and artisans — in Egypt’s New Kingdom period (c. 1539–1075 B.C.).
The objects are on loan from Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy.
Funerary Objects from Queen Nefertari’s tomb. Tomb of Nefertari (QV66), Valley of the Queens. New Kingdom, 19th dynasty, reign of Ramesses II (ca. 1279–1213 B.C.E.). Museo Egizio, Turin, Italy.
“Ancient Egypt has long fascinated the modern world,” Eric M. Lee, director of the Kimbell Art Museum, said in a statement. "We are thrilled to present this remarkable exhibition that is altogether alluring, grand, exotic, and captivating."
Queen Nefertari was the favorite wife of pharaoh Ramesses II, referred to as "the one for whom the sun shines." On view at the Kimbell are a few objects presumed to have belonged to the queen, found in her tomb uncovered by Italian archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli in 1904.
While admission to the Kimbell's permanent collection is always free, there is a cost to view "Queen Nefertari's Egypt." Ticket information and COVID-19 protocols are available at kimbellart.org.
