Art of Ancient Egypt

The Discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb

  • On February 16, 1923, the Times of London cabled the New York Times about the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.
  • The treasures found within the tomb were unprecedented.
  • The mask of Tutankhamun is made of gold and inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones.

Today's Objectives

  • Analyze the use of Egyptian symbols.
  • Recognize and evaluate the construction methods of the Pyramids Of Giza.
  • Analyze Egyptian sculpture.
  • Analyze decorative elements in Egyptian tombs.

Key Terms

  • Egyptian symbols
  • Horus
  • Scepter
  • Ankh
  • Pyramids Of Giza
  • Menkur
  • Khafre
  • Khufu
  • Narmer Palette
  • Relief Sculpture

Egyptian Symbols

  • Egyptian symbols were consistently used in relief art.
  • Relief art is sculpture made on a flat surface.
  • Specific symbols represented specific meanings:
    • Symbol for Upper Egypt
    • Symbol for Lower Egypt
    • Eye of Horus: Egyptian God
    • Shape (Scepter): Power
    • Ankh: Everlasting life

Pyramids Of Giza

  • The Pyramids Of Giza include Menkur, Khafre, and Khufu.
  • Menkur is the smallest.
  • Khafre is the middle-sized pyramid and still has some of its veneer (limestone substance) remaining.
  • Khufu is the oldest and largest pyramid.

General Pyramid Construction

  • A true pyramid has a square base and four triangular sides that meet at the top.
  • The sloping sides are thought to mimic the slope of the sun's rays.
  • The stones used weighed 2.5 tons each (equivalent to 5,000 pounds).
  • Possible construction methods:
    • Muscle power alone
    • Using logs to roll the stones
    • Creating a slippery surface with sand
    • Building a ramp of sand to move stones upwards

Egyptian Sculpture: Narmer Palette

  • Palettes were typically used to crush black ink for eyeliner.
  • The Narmer Palette announced the unification of Egypt.
  • It shows Narmer wearing both the white crown (Upper Egypt) and the red crown (Lower Egypt).
  • The Narmer Palette also exhibits visual conventions of the time.
  • Visual conventions included:
    • Consistency in drawing specific crowns or symbols.
    • The most important person in the artwork being depicted as the tallest.
    • Mathematical formulas defining proportions for figures (e.g., height of a regular person or child).

Other Egyptian Sculptures

  • Sculpture of Khafre:
    • Horus is depicted holding up and protecting Khafre's head.
    • Lions' feet on the throne symbolize strength and power.
    • Intertwined plants symbolize the rule of both Upper And Lower Egypt.
  • Sculpture of the heir to Khafre's throne:
    • Smoother and more peaceful looking.
    • Never completed (not polished), possibly due to the heir's death.
  • Sculpture of Pepe II and his mother:
    • Pepe II was six years old when he inherited the throne.
    • The artist gave Pepe honor by depicting him as the king.
    • The mother is shown to be larger indicating that she probably acted as a regent until Pepe was old enough to rule.
  • Seated scribe:
    • The scribe has a bit of a role there
    • Old Kingdom sculptors produced figures of less prominent people.
    • Depiction of the scribe with a role possibly indicates a sedentary lifestyle.

Egyptian Tomb Decorations

  • Pectoral: Chest ornament made of gold and semi-precious stones.
    • This particular pectoral was found in the tomb of Akim's daughter and is decorated with Egyptian symbols like the scarab (beetle).
  • Hippo:
    • Symbolizes evil and was placed in tombs to ward off evil.
    • This particular sculpture was found in the tomb of the governor Sendi.
    • The hippo is blue and drawn with plants on his side, possibly hiding in the water.
  • Steel of Amunath:
    • A relief sculpture found on the funeral steel of Amunath, representing daily life.
    • Depicts ordinary life, such as people sitting, talking, and enjoying each other's company.
    • Meant for the dead to enjoy looking at the picture for eternity.
  • These tomb decorations survived because tomb robbers only took valuable items made of gold.