Detail of a painted limestone statue of Queen Meryetamun, the fourth daughter of King Ramesses II who reigned circa 1279-1213 BCE during the 19th Dynasty. Her name means 'Beloved of Amun'. She was promoted to the position of Great Royal Wife to become her father's consort sometime after the death of her mother, Queen Nefertari.The exquisite workmanship in addition to the gentle smile and graceful presence make this work one of the most beautiful statues of the Ramesside period. Meryetamun's ornate wig is held in place by a double band that supports two royal serpents wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. A circular base rests upon the queen's head, decorated with multiple uraei with sun-discs; this base would have once supported the large disc and double plumes, which are typical of queenly headdresses during that period.Ramesses II took at least three of his daughters, including Meryetamun, as queen consorts following their mothers' deaths. Scholars, however, have debated whether this was through consummated marriage or they were consorts in name only.Meryetamun died during her father's long reign and was buried in the Valley of the Queens.This fine sculpture (JE 31413) is now in the Hurghada Museum, Hurghada, Egypt.Photo: Jürgen Liepe