2-587-475 - © CM Dixon/Heritage Images

Detail of limestone stela with a seated figure of Akhenaten, probably from Amarna, Egypt, 18th Dynasty, c1340 BC. This limestone stela illustrates the shift in religious beliefs and artistic syle during the Amarna Period. The king, Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten, reigned 1390-1352 BC), is shown in a relaxed pose, which would have been unthinkable in earlier times, with a protruding chin and belly; he is seated below the disc of the Aten (the sun) whose rays extend down to the king. Each ray terminates in a small hand and symbolizes the manner in which the sun hands its benefits down to the king. The new beliefs formulated at Amarna, and held to a limited extent elsewhere, stressed that Akhenaten was the sole person with access to the Aten. The Aten, Akhenaten believed, was the principal god and the source of all life. Thus, only the royal family is ever shown making offerings to the Aten; private individuals had to direct their devotions through the king. From the British Museum's collections.