Queen Nefertiti, whose iconic statue was discovered a century ago, still captures imaginations around the world today. With her amazing features and mysterious history, she remains not only a symbol of ancient Egyptian royalty, but also an enduring cultural figure that transcends time and geography.
In 1912, German archaeologists unearthed the world-famous limestone statue of Nefertiti in Amarna, Egypt. Publicly displayed in Berlin’s Neues Museum in 1924, it became an instant sensation. With her chiseled jaw line, swan-like neck and kohl-lined eyes, the image of Nefertiti took the world by storm.
“Nefertiti’s breast is so perfect, she is so self-satisfied. That’s what really catches the attention and imagination. Of course, it’s his confidence and his look. “It’s something that fascinates all of us,” Dr. Cheryl Finley, professor of art history at Spelman College, told CNN.
Over the years, Nefertiti’s image has influenced fashion, art, and beauty standards globally. In the 1920s, Nefertiti’s face became synonymous with beauty, appearing in advertisements for cosmetics and beauty columns. Designers such as French fashion designer Paul Poiret incorporated Egyptian motifs into their collections and the queen’s image became synonymous with the style. In 1961, Vogue discovered an enduring “fascination” with Nefertiti, while Elizabeth Taylor’s portrayal of Cleopatra in 1963 further cemented the queen’s influence on the fashion world.
The influence of Nefertiti’s image continues into the 21st century. Designers such as Christian Louboutin and John Galliano found inspiration in his likeness, incorporating elements of his style into high-end fashion collections. Jewelry designer Azza Fahmy and other artists have used Nefertiti’s aesthetics for modern goods and makeup brands.
In recent years, her image has also made its way into the world of beauty treatments, with the ‘Nefertiti Lift’ – a non-invasive Botox procedure to improve the jawline – being named in her honour. Nefertiti’s legacy, once rooted in ancient Egyptian culture, now permeates modern society in many ways, from TikTok tutorials to a luxury perfume line.
Even celebrities like Rihanna, Beyonce, and Erykah Badu have embraced her legacy, with Rihanna even getting a tattoo of the queen’s chest. Beyoncé famously featured Nefertiti in her 2016 ‘Sorry’ music video, further increasing the queen’s influence in modern popular culture.
For Dr. Elka Stevens, Associate Professor of Visual Culture at Howard University, Nefertiti’s timelessness lies in her relativity. “Take off the crown, drop her into any society, and she can fit in,” Stevens said.
The mystery surrounding Nefertiti’s life adds to her allure. While much of her reign is shrouded in mystery, including her sudden disappearance from the historical record after 12 years of co-rule with her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten, her legacy remains intact. Some theories suggest she may have taken on a new identity or may have been forced into exile or murdered, but unanswered questions about her life only add to the intrigue.
