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1. Prime Essay Writings Sample Egyptian Art 1
EGYPTIAN ART
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(30, November, 2010)

2. 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

3. Prime Essay Writings Sample Egyptian Art 3
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