Flourished Circa 1353-1336 B.C.E.
Sculptor

Rock Carvers. Much of the art in ancient Egypt was executed by men who were considered simple artisans, and therefore their names often disappear from the historical records. A few, however, achieved high favor and are known largely from inscriptions in their tombs-such as the sculptors Ipuki and Nebamen (both flourishing circa 1425 B.C.E.), who worked on royal projects and were buried together at Thebes near Deir el Bahri. One sculptor for whom more information is known is Bek, the Chief Sculptor for Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) (circa 1353-1336 B.C.E.), who helped transform Egyptian art to what has been called a more "realistic" style.

Artistic Heritage. Bek was the son of Men, a carver for Amenhotep III (circa 1390-1353 B.C.E.), and Roy of Heliopolis. Men had created a series of statues of his king from the...