Monica O´Reilly

The world stood still for Ankhesenamun, wife of the recently deceased Tutankhamun. She was walking on a dusty floor. Gravity did not exist as she descended the sixteen steps that led to her husband’s tomb. Her grandfather Ay escorted her through a narrow and suffocating passage. While holding her left arm, he whispered in her ear: ‘Strong, be strong as a First Royal Wife should be.’ Ankhesenamun encouraged herself by repeating those words, her lips moving but making no sound. The young Queen...

When the tomb of Tutankhamun was opened, the world was dazzled by gold. But the most intriguing story may lie in far quieter objects. Among the treasures were painting palettes, writing tools, and musical instruments—some still bearing tags inscribed with the names of his half-sisters, the daughters of Nefertiti and his father, Akhenaten. Names, carefully written, as if refusing to be forgotten. These were not mere adornments. They hint at education, discipline, and artistic training within...

In this relief, we encounter a family portrait unlike anything seen before in ancient Egyptian art. Akhenaten and Nefertiti, the royal couple, appear as equals, mirroring one another in a tender, intimate scene. Remarkably, the Queen is depicted at the same height as the Pharaoh, emphasising not only her closeness to him but also her shared power. Their three eldest daughters complete the scene, adding a sense of warmth and immediacy. Akhenaten leans in to kiss the eldest, Meritaten, while...