Hatshepsut Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum

If you're in New York between now and 9 July, pop along to the Metropolitan Museum for its Hatshepsut: From Queen to Pharaoh exhibition showcasing the artistic achievements during Hatshepsut's reign. Hatshepsut ruled Egypt for two decades during the 18th Dynasty (c. 1479--1458 BC), although she's not achieved the fame of Cleopatra, who ruled from 51--30 BC.

The Met's information on the exhibit says Hatshepsut "stabilized the country and restored monuments destroyed during the disruptive Second Intermediate Period ... She renewed trade with western Asia to the east, the far-off land of Punt to the south, and the Aegean Islands in the north. The resulting economic prosperity was reflected in the art of the time, which is characterized by remarkable innovations in sculpture and decorative arts and produced such architectural marvels as Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri", which stands at the entrance to the Valley of the Kings.

More on Hatshepsut
• Profile of Hatshepsut from About's Women's History Guide
• Review of Hatshepsut Exhibition from About.com's Art History Guide
• Photo Gallery from Hatshepsut Exhibition