Art history Lecture 2 : Principles of Egyptian Art

Compositie Perspective

Also known as "composite profile" or "twisted perspective." Representation of a figure in which each part of the body is portrayed from its most distinct and characteristic aspect. The term describes the conventional manner of depicting animals in prehistoric cave paintings, in which some parts of a figure are shown as though seen from the front (frontally), while others are shown as though seen from the side (in profile). An animal's head may be depicted in profile, for example, with both horns visible, even though in true profile one would be hidden behind the other. The term also describes the enduring ancient Egyptian convention of figurative art in which the head is shown in profile, but with an eye as seen from the front; and a frontal torso, with legs seen from the side.

Double Crown of Egypt

Combination of the White Crown of Upper Egypt (the South) and the Red Crown of Lower Egypt (the North) to symbolize the unified Egypt.

Red Crown

The flat or scooped red cap with a projecting spiral symbolizing kingship in Lower Egypt (the North).

White Crown

The tall, club-like crown sometimes adorned with two plumes symbolizing kingship in Upper Egypt (the South).

faience

Also referred to as “glazed composition,” a silica material created by the Egyptians over 6000 years ago and used as a substitute for more expensive gemstones. “In ancient Egypt, objects created with faience were considered magical, filled with the undying shimmer of the sun, and imbued with the powers of rebirth.

hierarchical scale

Relative size indicates relative importance. Also hieratic or hierarchic scale.

nemes headdress

The blue-and-gold striped linen head-cloth characteristic of Egyptian royalty, covering the back of the head and nape of the neck, with flaps on each side that hang behind the ears and to the shoulders. The upright form of the cobra, the uraeus, is often included in kings’ crowns as well.

registers (register lines)

Horizontal bands used to divide and organize pictorial space. In relief sculpture, this refers to the placement of self-contained bands of reliefs in a vertical arrangement.

Royal beard

In ancient Egyptian imagery, the thick, rectangular, horizontally striated beard associated with royalty. See also divine beard.

(AKA Divine beard)