The Aten Cult founded by Akhenaten was based upon the concept of "maat," or justice, and on realism in art and human relations.

Akhenaten was the sole prophet of the god Aten, who was depicted as a solar disk with descending rays ending with human hands bestowing life and prosperity upon the king and his family. The sculpture of this era is characterized by a realistic style in portraying royalty.

First the style was exaggerated and grotesque, then it became relaxed and less exaggerated, and later the features were softened to an extent.