Final answer:
Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh of ancient Egypt, depicted herself with masculine features to conform to the traditional representation of pharaohs. Her successors tried to erase her legacy, potentially viewing her as a threat to the male-dominated succession line. Nevertheless, her rule left a lasting impact on Egypt's arts and architecture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hatshepsut often portrayed herself as a man to fit the traditional role of the pharaoh, which was symbolically and historically male in ancient Egypt. This was not to disguise her femininity but to align with the established representations of Egyptian kingship, hence the portrayal with broader shoulders, ceremonial beards, and headdresses. Even so, the feminine aspect was not entirely removed, as Hatshepsut continued to use feminine pronouns, and certain inscriptions utilized feminine word endings, indicating that she was indeed a female monarch. Such depictions highlight her unique reign, acting as a powerful pharaoh during a peaceful time and defying conventional gender roles within the realm of Egyptian leadership.
Despite her unprecedented and peaceful coronation and reign, Hatshepsut's successors attempted to erase her from the historical narrative. This may suggest that her powerful and unusual claim to the throne was potentially seen as a threat to the conventional succession of male rulers and prompted a later reaction to remove her legacy from the physical records.
Furthermore, like other Egyptian pharaohs, Hatshepsut claimed divinity, which was a cultural norm that distinguished Egyptian rulers from their Mesopotamian contemporaries. Additionally, she left a significant impact through her architectural and artistic commissions, setting standards for later Egyptian works in the New Kingdom.