I had yet to take any art classes, except for junior high and high school. However, shortly before painting this, I had a few private lessons from artist Joeseph Vella, who was at that time a co-worker and friend of my mother.
I spent three months painting this by looking at a photo in a souvenir book. I was fascinated by the shiney gold tones.
I was inspired to paint the death mask worn by the Boy King after attending the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's 1978 exhibit on King Tut.