This image of Menkaure and his queen sends a very clear message. Menkaure is an athletic man of good stature, he has an artificial beard symbolizing his kingship, and his pose is balanced, with one foot extending in a step- probably representing progress or forward movement. The woman by his side is near perfection as well; she has good posture and is beautiful in a traditional sense. She holds Menkaure in a “loving embrace,” standing closely by his side. She mimics his stepping action which is unusual because the common position for statues of women during the time period held the feet together. This copying most likely represents her devotion to him as a husband as well as a ruler.

This painted limestone portrait of Akhenaten and His Family has two similar people– a man of power and his female companion– but they are presented in an entirely different light. The relief sculpture is technically an official portrait, and portrays family life. Unlike the statue, this sculpture depicts Akhenaten and his wife, as well as his children, in a much more relaxed, domestic manner. Aten, being represented by the sun-like circle at the head of the image, is blessing the mother and father with the “breath of life,” depicted by the rays extending down to their mouths and nostrils. The scene is filled with love and happiness, a very relaxed state of living. The “king” s not a king in this seen, but rather a devoted father next to a devoted mother.

The difference in the pictures seems to be the image a ruler must exude in one facet of his life, and the image he wishes imbody in all facets. He must be powerful, confident, and stoic. But he cannot be any of these things if he does not have a loving, firm foundation to plant his feet into. Albeit cheesy, but true, even in Ancient Egypt.