Nefertiti was the queen of the Pharaoh Akhenaten who ruled during the Amarna period, c. 1349–1336 B.C.E. When the bust was discovered in 1912, by German archeologist Ludwig Borchardt, it immediately captivated both scholars and the public. The painted limestone bust emphasizes the grace and elegance of Nefertiti’s face and neck. She appears to be wearing makeup, particularly around the eyes and lips. Her unique blue crown is decorated with a geometric pattern. The sculpture is a testament to the fact that Nefertiti is often considered to be one of the most beautiful women of the ancient world.