Introduction to the Visual Arts: Ancient Mediterranean Worlds

These flashcards cover key concepts and facts from the lecture notes on Ancient Egyptian art and culture as part of an introduction to visual arts.

What characterizes the Aegean Bronze Age?

It marked an early period of the manufacture of tools and weapons, with a trading culture involving Europe, Arabia, and Anatolia.

What was the significance of the Nile River in Ancient Egypt?

The Nile runs north, empties into the Mediterranean, and its annual flooding created a fertile delta, essential for agriculture.

What defines the Old Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt?

The Old Kingdom lasted from 2575 to 2040 BCE and is known for the construction of the Great Pyramids and the establishment of strong pharaonic kingship.

What is the canon of proportions in Egyptian art?

It is a set of ideal mathematical ratios in art based on measurements, particularly concerning the human body.

What was the purpose of Canopic jars in Ancient Egypt?

Canopic jars were used to store and preserve the internal organs of the deceased for the afterlife.

Who is Imhotep and why is he significant?

Imhotep is recognized as the first recorded artist's name in history, associated with the architectural achievements of the Old Kingdom.

What did the Palette of Narmer symbolize?

It represented the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt and the divine authority of the pharaoh.

What role did gods play in Ancient Egyptian culture?

Gods were honored for all events, with kings revered as gods in human form, and their worship was crucial in maintaining social and cosmic order.

Who was Akhenaten and what did he change?

Akhenaten, formerly Amenhotep IV, shifted Egyptian religion from polytheism to monotheism centered around the sun deity Aten.

What are the main characteristics of New Kingdom art?

New Kingdom art featured more realistic royal portraits and the introduction of new religious art forms under rulers like Akhenaten and Hatshepsut.