(AM1) Review

Review

The major difference between prehistoric and Near Eastern and Egyptian life was the desire to civilize. Therefore, architecture was greatly improved to withstand constant human habitation. Groups could now live, govern, and worship daily in these structures.

The intent of this module is to introduce two major themes in art history: the representation of power and authority in art and architecture as well as the representation of religious beliefs in art and architecture. Artistic traditions of the ancient Near East and dynastic Egypt focused on representing royal figures and divinities and on the function of funerary and palatial complexes within their cultural contexts. The exchange of ideas and reception of artistic styles among the Mediterranean cultures made a profound influence on the classical world.

Religion plays a significant role in the art and architecture of the ancient Near East and Egypt, with cosmology guiding representation of deities and kings who themselves assume divine attributes. The art of dynastic Egypt embodies a sense of permanence. It was created for eternity in the service of a culture that focused on preserving a cycle of rebirth. The grandeur of Egyptian art attests to the skill of its creators and their overwhelming need to leave monuments "for all time". The need for unchanging order drove the ancient Egyptians to create works that did not deviate from an established canon. The Amarna period, the reign of Akhenaton, was a short-lived change.

Watch the review video below. It may take a few minutes to load.

Then, review by answering the following questions:

  1. Can you distinguish the art and architecture of the different Near Eastern civilizations we have examined?
  2. Can you explain the formal and symbolic characteristics of the art and architecture of each of the Near Eastern civilization we have examined?
  3. Can you explain the relationship between art and politics in the Near East? What about art and religion?
  4. If you were shown an unknown work of art from the Near East, could you identify specific cultures by its formal, material, and thematic characteristics?
  5. Can you discuss the development of writing systems and their impact on life in the Near East and in Egypt?
  6. Can you describe the formal characteristics of Egyptian painting and sculpture?
  7. Can you explain how one's social status affected his depiction in artwork?

 

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