Art, arguably more so than any other phenomenon, is responsible for the edification of mankind. Art is so imperative to society for myriad reasons. It has served as a tool of self-expression since man has existed, but it has also been used to communicate what have been understood to be fundamental truths about mankind. These range from life on earth to the afterlife. Although art from all cultures has merit, I am especially drawn to Egyptian art which I assert is emblematic of art itself; its never-ending nuances, aesthetic beauty, intense meaning, and ambitious aims. Throughout the world, art has played a pretty notable role in history. From art of the Middle East to the United States, it has been used to express the inner desires and …show more content…
There are many different types of art: ceramics, sculpture, drawing, painting, etcetera. Some of these types of art are things that many people wouldn’t necessarily envision as art. Every culture in the world has or has had art, which should tell one something about the commonalities regarding the human condition. All art has value and is interesting, but in my opinion Ancient Egyptian art has to be some of the most fascinating. A cradle of civilization, Egypt is often focused on for its religion and war power as well as being the home of the Nile. However, its art is another reason why Egypt has become synonymous with a truly great civilization. Egyptian art has a rich history and has taken varying forms while being used to illustrate ideas of the Egyptian people.
It should be noted that although the civilization of Egypt has traditionally been associated with mystique and mystery, there art reveals a significant amount of their culture. Their belief system, way of life, values, and other central facts are showcased by their art. The art tell us of a land that was extremely organized, so much that it was able to pile up pyramids in the life of a single king. The pyramids alone reveal the mass wealth and power of pharaohs who were able to direct thousands of workers and slaves to labor year after year, to quarry the stones, drag them to the building site, and shift them into the pyramids (which functioned as tombs) were ready for the pharaoh. The pharaoh
The pharaoh was undoubtedly the most important terrestrial figure in ancient Egypt and played a significant role in the functioning of Egyptian society. Entrusted with governing the realm of Egypt and providing a link between the Egyptian people and the gods, pharaohs were “an essential element in the maintenance of the position of society in the order of creation”. This idea has been substantiated through the various artefacts located in tombs in the Valley of the Kings, particularly that of Tutankhamun. These finds have shed light on the role and lifestyle of the pharaoh in ancient Egypt. Through the discovery and analysis of these items, historians and archaeologists alike have been able to glean considerable amounts of information in
The "art for art" remained unknown in ancient Egypt; all creation was a practical purpose: the prosperity and triumph of Egypt, providing the survival of rulers and notables. The beautiful had no value in itself; we would say in modern terms, that the supreme intention was magical action. According to our book (art history by Marilyn Stokstad and Michael W. Cothren): “The architecture is religious or funeral destination; only temples and tombs were built of sustainable materials, although we also know some palaces and fortresses. The statuary, too, funeral (the statue is considered the repository of the soul of the deceased) or divine (the royal statues represent the pharaoh, god on earth or in the hereafter). The reliefs are dependent on strict religious patterns; one painting, especially that found in the tombs of the notables of the New Kingdom, manifest a spontaneity and a certain naturalism, but it was only a substitute art to replace cheaply the painted relief. This liveliness is reflected in the minor arts, and fard for spoons or pots ointments; but the jewels themselves usually hold conventions of religious symbolism”. Although, the step pyramid and sham buildings, funerary complex of djoser would perfectly help to illustrate the image of the art of the ancient Egypt. The Djoser funerary complex, built during the reign of Pharaoh Djoser in Saqqara is located in Egypt. It’s the first of this magnitude and the
They expressed a worldwide view of the Egyptians. First of all, they were symbols of the pharaoh's authority and divine status. It reflects hierarchical status. In the Egyptian society there were slaves, the commoners, the pharaohs. If you were to put them in order the top of the pyramid would the pharaohs below them the commoners, then slaves and so forth. The most important one would be on the top which is the pharaohs. Also, it was a testimony of the pharaoh's ability to marshal Egypt's resources. Their worldview was very religious too. Pyramids were used for tombs for pharaohs. The pyramids were a symbol of a gateway of the next life meaning that the people put to rest in a pyramid had somehow gained the opportunity at immortality. The things left inside the pyramid, such as vases and artwork, buried with the body were things that the Egyptians thought the pharaoh could bring with them to the afterlife. This brought another meaning to having a pyramid. It was used as a place to keep the pharaoh’s things for his second life. Also, pyramids were designed to have a temple which shows that the pharaohs were believed to be divine beings and they were to be worshiped after their
During past time from centuries ago there's been many civilizations and within this civilization many rulers, kings, and leaders. These leaders have made many contributions in their civilization that In a way have affected us. A way that we are able to recognize these leaders is by art an important spectrum for us! Arts that have been created for important leaders includes statues, sculptures, oil paintings, mosaics and many other types. Some examples of leaders with art would be Hammurabi the Babylonian king who created a set of legal codes he appears in the Stele of Hammurabi. The Byzantine emperor Justinian was a religious, administrative and military authority who appeared in different mosaics that are in the San Vitale Church. Joan of
The motivation and history of art is partly due to religion. Religions have been passed down and interpreted to this day, and a way to recollect these stories is through art. Also the creations of churches, mosques, etc are works of art in themselves. Buildings were comprised of pillars and ribbed structures, are considered a technological beauty because they were designed to be visually appealing, but had a functional purpose.
Art helps royalty and rulers spread their ideas and lets their people know the power of the leader, ruler, etc.
Bethany Simpson (Ask Rose how to Cite), it was said that through the examination of the workers living area, it is known that the workers were fed quite well. They were fed large quantities of high-end meats like cattle. But more importantly, the pyramid was constructed to be a cosmic engine for the pharaoh. The creation of a pyramid represented the rule of universal order, which included the changing of days and seasons, as we as the flooding of the Nile. The mechanics of the pyramid as a cosmic engine depend largely on a term called “Kheperu”. This concept is used in relation to a person and their distinct phases of life and death (cite Lehner). In death, the pharaoh will experience transformations that include the Ka, the Ba, and the body interacting. This leads to the final step in the transformation in which the pharaoh becomes Akh, the spiritual state of an Egyptian. The pyramid was an essential instrument that allowed these transformations to occur, and are better understood as the meeting point in life and light with the darkness and death (cite Lehner). Along with being a vessel for the transformation and revival of pharaohs into the afterlife with the Gods, it was also an Icon. The pyramid was a giant symbol that at times is regarded as just a hieroglyph. The pharaoh wanted to apply a personal nature, his human characteristic to something nonhuman and everlasting so that he can live forever in the eyes of everyone who sees his pyramid when
Ancient Egypt is often divided into three kingdoms of prosperity, the old, middle, and new kingdoms. During the old kingdom (2613-2160 BCE), a social structure begins to take shape in the newly unified society. At the top of the structure is the Pharaoh (or the almighty ruler of Egypt and is worshiped as mortal version of god), moving down pyramid we then have other government officials (nobles and priests), soldiers, scribes (experts in hieroglyphics), merchants, craftsmen, and the farmers and slaves. During the end of the old kingdom, and all throughout the middle (2040-1750 BCE) and new (1550-1070 BCE) kingdoms of ancient Egyptian society, the building of
Egypt is still a nation of wonder, history, enchantment, and lost human ingenuity. Many aspects of Egypt remain a mystery, but slowly some secrets are coming to light. Going through history to its foundations and remnants, there is much to be learned and understood. Though the boundary lines of Egypt are quite large, the vast majority of its citizens live compacted along the Nile River. Egypt is most renowned for its life flowing river, its Pyramids, Pharaohs, and its distinct religious worship. Looking underneath the majestic artwork, and the thriving life, is another aspect of Egypt where one discovers the struggles of its past. Yet this inner turmoil within Egypt’s history is part of the lure that attracts many to learn about its ancient
Ancient Egyptian art explained plans and showed how processes of daily life in Egypt were important. Daily life in Egypt was complicated but the art showed a process for orders and plans. The placement of art in Ancient Egypt is significant, because of the meaning behind the arts culture. Culture in Egypt was effected by art, art was not only used for daily life but for sculptures, afterlife, architecture, and ceremonies or festivals artistic events. The technology Ancient Egyptians used to create their art was a highly advanced system. Technology is not only modern devices but also ancient ways of life. The technology was apart of daily life, the Egyptian had to use what they were provided with by nature to create all of their successful pieces of technology. Art was important to many people of ancient Egypt and still is presented
The Ancient Egypt Empire held a very fascinating, distinctive culture. Being one of the world 's most advanced cultures and creating tons of wealth is what separated them from everybody else. Between the outstanding artwork, teaching methods, and amazing pyramids is what helped this society advance together. No other civilization of the ancient world history has such a popular appeal and none as important as human society and its organization. Fortunately, these Egyptians have made great steps in best keeping which have made studying their culture and society easier than some previous historical eras. Ancient Egyptians were a group of folk who were heavily influenced by religions such as polytheistic beliefs and different rituals focused on the Egyptian society. Also, Egyptians were separated due to genders, developed a strong order, and had very advanced technology/economic field.
1. ART IS USED TO COMMUNICATE IDEAS In ancient civilizations, art was used to send a message such as the authority of a ruler, communicate a thought or feeling, or make a statement. Art was used before a written language was created and influenced written languages, such as the hieroglyphs from ancient Egypt which are pictures used to create sentences. Art was also used for civilizations to communicate about their religion and preserve beliefs.
The ancient Egyptians are known for many of the incredible aspects of their culture and everything they have produced. Some of the well known ancient Egyptian relics are the ones like the ancient pyramids, the Great Sphinx of Giza, mummies, and their many forms of art. Ancient Egyptian art is one of the most recognized styles of art. The most commonly known types of ancient Egyptian art are types like paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. Not only is Egyptian art beautiful, but it carries a huge deal of value and significance with it. A great portion of the time, the art has some kind of religious meaning to it. Consequently it is very difficult to discuss the art itself without delving into the various gods and goddesses presented in it.
Egyptian civilization was born from the vast and unique Nile River. This river provided the rich “Black Land” soil that was the foundation for agriculture (Duiker & Spielvogel, 2010). Although there was no need for irrigation as in Mesopotamia, Egyptians were able to provide an abundance of foods for their civilization base. The Nile River not only provided land perfect for farming it was also used as a mode of transportation for the Egyptians enabling the trade of imports and exports. Due to natural barriers in the geography and the strategic use of fortifications, Egyptians were able to create a secure way of life protected from invasion. This way of life was organized hierarchical lines with a god-king at the top (Duiker & Spielvogel, 2010). The ruling class consisted of nobles and priests who assisted the god-king and ran the government. The middle class society was made up of merchants and artisans who controlled trade and art while the rest of the population were common farmers and slaves. Similar to the Mesopotamians, controlling the vast civilization of Egypt were the numerous gods and goddesses created by the polytheism belief. These gods were represented in wall paintings,
Today, Art has gone through many changes. Abstract art dominates art today shows ambiguous life a man lives, in contrast to the unambiguous art of the past. Modern does not have spirituality and cultural values and beliefs in the past and is now a reflection of a materialistic life of today. Bill Henson, a portrait artist used his 12 year old Olympia as a nude model for his portrait drawing. This brought much controversy that he was exploiting the body of an under - age girl as his own gains. This shows that art is used for popularity and financial gain. The message behind art is to show ideas and ideas that are relevant to society. Art is meant to enliven life and things, though modern art shows more if life’s negativeness. Galleries, parks and museums view to the public with meaningfulness and with the appreciation for art. Art is still effective as hand written material was seen in the walls of Ancient Egypt. Modern art stimulates the thought and fosters greater