Compare And Contrast Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut, declared herself king during the reign of her stepson and nephew, Thutmose III. She adopted the full titulary of a pharaoh, and since this was traditionally a man’s role, she wore the nemes-headcloth, the shendyt-kilt and a fake beard as part of the ceremonial attire of the Egyptian king. This is portrayed in her life-size statue “White Hatshepsut” at the MET. Men and women in power in Dynastic Egypt are represented very different
As we compare Hatshepsut’s statue to Menkaure or Khamerernebty we can notice that it looks more like Menkaure’s statue. They are both using a nemes and fake beard as part of their ceremonial attire. They both maintain a straight and firm pose indicating authority, while Khamerernebty pose is more gentile as she stands by her husbands side and “shows support”. Also, Hatshepsut has a very manly anatomy, since there is no indication of breast representation. For someone that the story of Hatshepsut is unknown and sees the statue, would never think is a women pharaoh.

Hatshepsut is still wearing the nemes but has let go of the fake beard and her anatomy looks subtler and there is representation of her breasts; Khafre’s has a very muscular anatomy while Hatshepsut and Lady Sennuwy look slim and delicate. Her pose still conveys authority, however is more similar to Lady Sennuwy poses than Khafre’s pose since he’s forming a fist with his right hand as it lies on his lap. Also, it’s clear that Khafre is seating on a throne, while she’s