Statue of the God Amen Protecting Tutankhamen
Probably Karnak, New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, reign of Tutankhamen, 1336-1327 BC
Granodiorite
Musée du Louvre E 11005 = AF 779
cat. no. 16

Tutankhamen is best known for his tomb treasures, but he also left many fine temple statues that attest to his devotion to the god Amen, whose worship he restored. Even so, he received little thanks for his piety, for later rulers continued to associate him with the heretic Akhenaten. This statue, probably from Karnak, was intentionally mutilated in ancient times. Originally, it showed the king standing between the god's legs, facing him and presenting to him a platter of offerings in return for the god's protection. All that remains of Tutankhamen are his heels and one hand. Fortunately, the king's youthful features are faithfully mirrored in the face of the god.

The two tall plumes that once surmounted the god's crown have fallen victim to time. The king's names on the back pillar, however, were deliberately hacked in antiquity.