Essay on "Egyptian Civilization"

Essay 3 pages (1169 words) Sources: 6 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Egyptian Art

The Art of Egyptian Civilization

To understand the art of Egyptian civilization one must understand the historical context. The period of art discussed in this paper comes from what is termed the "New Kingdom" period, or that time from approximately 1550 to 1069 BCE. Of course, Egyptian art significantly predates this period, but historical events tended to have the most dynamic impact during this era. Additionally, while the names of most of the artists have been lost to posterity, it is possible to describe important artistic influences and styles which define the period. Initially a polytheistic society, the original purpose of Egyptian art was as a repository for the essential element or ka of the human body. Early Egyptian art work was developed solely to decorate the resting place of the ka.

Reverence for the ka meant that the early work was almost grotesque in its exaggeration and restraint.

The reforms in art seen during this period represent a change from a rigid and stylistic form of art to art as a method of celebration of form as well as function.

Perhaps the most obvious and famous demonstration of the rigid early styles of the period is seen in the statue of King Khafre, thought to have been sculpted before this period in 2530 BCE. As was the accepted style of the time, the statue was designed by using a grid which allowed the artist to use specific proportions for the statue. Khafre's posture is also representative of the time in that his posture is erect, his feet do not touch the ground (representing his nobility), and he carries a staff representing his power. Additionally, the back of the statue is a flat surface, and the king is not represented in three dimensions. The hawk which rests above Khafre represents the Egyptian god Horus, protecting the neck of the king (thought to be the repository of the ka as well as paying respect to the monarch, who would himself have been considered a deity.

The Palette of King Narmer is another representation of this rigid style. A large, flat, ceremonial palette, it is a remarkable demonstration of the old Kingdom. It is decorated on both sides with raised relief carvings. It contains phonetic representation of Narmer's name and symbols felt to represent war and unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. Whether art or artifact, the palette uses both imagery and symbols to document Early Egypt and the typical use of art to glorify the King.

The period of the "New Kingdom" came after the end of the 2nd intermediate period with the definition of Egypt as a sovereign state and definition of borders. While Pharaohs Ahmose I and Ramses III worked to maintain these borders, the first great artistic influence of the time was the female Pharaoh Hatshepsut. Her re-establishment of trade routes with Asia allowed a renaissance of sorts within Egypt, and the resulting prosperity is shown in the significant innovations in sculpture, decorative arts and architecture. Perhaps the greatest of there is her mortuary temple, Deir el-Bahri, a colonnaded structure reached by long ramps decorated with lovely gardens. The temple is built into the side of a cliff and is considered to be one of the most beautiful monuments of ancient Egypt.

Akhenaten ruled Egypt in the 14th century B.C.E. Under his reign, Egyptian art changed from the rigid style seen in the statue of King Khafre. Under Akhenaton, the style of the period gave way to a softer and… READ MORE

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