Prime Essay Writings Sample Egyptian Art 1

EGYPTIAN ART

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(30, November, 2010)

Prime Essay Writings Sample Egyptian Art 2

Egyptian Art

Introduction

This paper is a critical examination of Egyptians art. What is brought forth in this essay

are the main characteristics of the Egyptians arts as well as what art means to the Egyptians. It is

worth noting from the onset that art has been used to describe varied culture, in this case Egypt is

no exception.

Egyptian art is the style in which ancient Egyptians especially from 5000BC to about

300AD used to paint, making sculptures, crafts, as well as architecture. Additionally, it is worth

noting that ancient art in Egypt was totally different from what we see today in forms of temples

and pyramids in the time of the pharaohs (Robins, 2001).

Historically, it was as from as early as the eighth millennium that those who lived in

lower Nile valley started making engraved drawings on cliff sides. This was used to show the

basics of their way of life which incorporated life in the wild, hunting scenarios, and herds of

cattle. On the same note, these people used long lasting materials to showcase their piece of art.

for instance, stones and ivory (Charlotte, 2001). Additionally, there were incidences where

pottery vessels were placed where one was buried, figures of people as well as, animals and

females whose sexual attributes had been portrayed in an abnormal manner leaves us to suggest

that these individuals were closely linked to issue related to fertility.

According to Charlotte 2001 it is worth noting again that Egyptian art is so distinct and

can be retrieved by anybody and be related to early Egyptians art, thanks to their well spelt out

characteristics. The art was expressed in the form of paintings and sculptures both being very

symbolized and stylized. The origin of most of the art is from tombs and monuments; this

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suggests that these individuals laid serious consideration on life after death as well as

safeguarding indigenous knowledge.

Main characteristics of Egyptian art

As previously mentioned, the distinguishing characteristics of Egyptian art are what make

it possible for everyone to distinguish them from museums as well as printed media. The main

characteristic of Egyptian art is that it has changed very little throughout the seven periods of

artistic development. These periods include predynastic, old kingdom, middle kingdom, new

kingdom, Amarna period, late period and Ptolemaic.

According to Robins, 2001 various paintings as well as other form of art in Egypt tended

to have very clear as hieroglyphic characteristics on them. For instance, most of the Egyptian

arts comprised of some of the gods the Egyptians worshipped, had gold as well as being

engraved. Additionally several of the art pieces were a bit complex and made up of certain

symbols and markings that depicted certain attributes for instance the social status of the person,

whether the sculptures represent someone who is alive or dead. The symbol and markings used

for this include hands crossed holding an ankh

Another distinguishing characteristic of Egyptian art is the use of a grid having eighteen

squares so that attaining suitable and accurate proportions of figure is guaranteed. For instance a

figure that was to be portrayed while standing had to exactly measure six cubits.

On the same note, Egyptian art have within it had a sense of deep humanity. This has

played a major role in making such arts be recognized and appreciated after thousands of years.

The personalities that the art tried to depict are still with us, additionally the scenes that the art

tried to depict are also still with us and are very familiar with each and every individual around

the globe (Andrews, 2010).

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During the middle kingdom era, the pieces of art that depicted the pharaoh as being a

perfect being were left behind and what was adopted was a painting and sculpture that showed

them being very old and wrinkled. Later during the new kingdom period, the artist returned to art

that portrayed pharaohs as perfect, young and invincible.

As suggested by Andrews, 2010 another main characteristic was the use of blue-green

color that resembled turquoise that was linked to Hathor, an important goddess. Metals were also

used in making statues, temple fittings as well as cult implements. It is worth noting that gold

and silver were also employed in making cult statues. These two metals were not used in religion

as a result of their value as well as the association the Egyptians had with especially gold.

Generally speaking, the main characteristics of Egyptian art are the three elements it emphasized,

engraving, painting and sculpturing.

What art mean to Egyptians

Although art in other regions especially in the west was viewed as an act of personal

expression, in Egypt, this was not the case rather it heavy symbolize their culture, beliefs, way of

life and religion. Considering the fact that some ancient art constituted herds of cattle, scenes in

hunting, this meant that Egyptians especially those in the lower Nile valley were hunter gatherers

as well as nomadic. Similarly, some paintings had mages of festivals as well as battles this

informed Egyptians where they have come from hence their history (Charlotte, 2001).

Along the same lines, there were also incidences where there were pottery engraved with

some writing placed beside where a person was buried. This clearly depicted that Egyptians

believed in life after death (Robins, 2001). Similarly, the well crafted pieces of art especially

concerning architecture clearly shows us that Egyptians hold dear their style in construction of

houses as well as other infrastructure.

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When it comes to religion, most of the artwork has some showcasing of religion. The

most important gods as well as goddess have been incorporated and engraved in metals, painted

as well as sculptured. On the same note, most of the art of the ancient times in Egypt shows how

important the people held it as it depicted the influence of their kings. Last but not least, art

linked most of the Egyptians with their natural world. Most of the art, especially painting did

clearly demonstrate the association between man and nature (Robins, 2001)

Conclusion

From the review of Egyptian arts, it is apparent that there are clear characteristics that

make the art very easy to distinguish in museums as well as print media such as books. On the

same note, art meant a lot to Egyptians not as an expression of personal feeling. To Egyptians art

represent their culture as well as their religion.

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References

Andrews, M (2010). An Introduction to Egyptian Art. Retrieved on 30 Novemeber2010 from

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/artoverview.htm

Charlotte, J. (2001). Characteristics of Ancient Egyptian Art. Retrieved on 30 November 2010

from http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/ancient_egypt_for_children/70373

Robins, G. (2001). The Art of Ancient Egypt. New York: Harvard University Press