Lawrence M. Berman, the John F. Cogan, Jr. and Mary L. Cornille Chair, Art of Ancient Egypt, Nubia, and the Near East, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will be speaking on Wednesday, October 15, 6:00–7:00 pm ET. This hybrid talk titled, “Mavericks: Three Visionary Pharaohs of Egypt,” is free and open to the public.

Photograph: Head of Amenhotep III. New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III, 1390–1352 BCE. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Hatshepsut, Amenhotep III, and Akhenaten each ruled Egypt for long periods, leaving a lasting impact on its art, politics, and religion. Though all were powerful leaders, each tells a distinct story. In this lecture, Lawrence M. Berman explores the reigns and legacies of these three remarkable Eighteenth Dynasty pharaohs, considering questions such as: What made them successful—or controversial? How were they viewed in their own time, and how have archaeologists and the public interpreted them since? The talk also examines broader themes—from the power of images and identity to iconoclasm and the writing of history—inviting reflection on who gets to shape history, and why it still matters today.

Advance registration, https://hmsc.harvard.edu/calendar_event/mavericks-three-visionary-pharaohs-of-egypt/, recommended for online and in-person attendance. In  addition  to  this  event,  the  museum  will  be  open  and  free  of  charge.