The Enigmatic Nefertiti Bust

Queen Nefertiti became a sensational icon after the early 20th-century discovery of her sculpted portrait.

Bust of Queen Nefertiti from circa 1351–1334 B.C State Museums of Berlin, Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection. Sandra Steiß/CC BY-SA 4.0

The ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is a world-famous beauty, a style icon, and a timeless pop culture sensation. Her life fascinates the general public and confounds experienced scholars.

Nefertiti’s international celebrity in the modern era dates to the first part of the 20th century, with the discovery and display of a piece of artwork—the Nefertiti bust, from circa 1351 to 1334 B.C. The tale of this limestone and stucco statue complements its sitter’s epic story.