Overview of Ancient Egyptian Art

Introduction

• Ancient Egyptian Art spans 2800 years (3100 BCE - 332 BCE).
• Significant periods: Early Dynastic, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, and Late Period.
• Focus on three main topics: timeline periods, famous artworks, and characteristics of Egyptian art.

Characteristics of Egyptian Art

• Art depicted in a "correct order" reflecting divine balance and mythology.
• Three Main Themes:
  • Tombs: Art often found in tombs, emphasizing the afterlife.
  • Temples: Important for worship and divine offerings.
  • Timelessness: Culture and style meant to last forever.
• Polytheistic society with strong beliefs in afterlife, resurrection.

The Canon

• Established rules for depicting human forms, accepted by artists and patrons.
• Characteristics:
  • Mathematical proportions, composite views, geometric shapes.
  • Idealism: depicting figures as athletic, muscular, youthful.
  • Symbols of power: clothing, head regalia, and staffs.

Periods of Egyptian Art

Early Dynastic Period

• Unification of Egypt under one rulership.
• Kings were seen as gods in human form.
• Palette of Narmer: Commemorative piece showing the unification of Egypt, features hierarchy of scale, composite view, and religious symbolism.

Old Kingdom

• Time of political stability and wealth leading to elaborate tomb constructions (Pyramids).
• Kafre Enthroned: Example of canon in sculpture with idealized form and use of diorite for longevity.
• The Seated Scribe: Comparison showing a naturalistic depiction of non-royalty.

Middle Kingdom

• Political turmoil with a brief reunification under Mentuhotep.
• Introduction of realism into the canon, showing emotion in pharaohs like Senusret III.

New Kingdom

• Recognizable period with pharaohs like Hatshepsut, King Tut, Akhenaten, Ramses.
• Akhenaten's Reign: Drastic changes to monotheism and the Amarna style.
  • Combined male and female characteristics, deviated from traditional canon.
  • Amarna style was short-lived, returned to traditional style after Akhenaten's reign.

Late Period

• Period of foreign rule (Nubians, Persians, Macedonians, Greeks, Romans).
• Synthesis of Egyptian and Roman culture leading to Christian-inspired art.
  • Mummy Portraits: Blend of Roman and Egyptian art styles.

Conclusion

• Ancient Egyptian art maintained its core characteristics over 3000 years.
• Influence on later cultures, seen in Christian art adaptations.
• Encouragement to explore more with resources like the Western art history timeline.