Art of the ancient world has revealed a wide spectrum of different cultures and lifestyles. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, art takes a form of worshipping gods and kings. This shows the distinct class divisions which we can see in many arts from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. In contrast, ancient Greek and Roman art puts an emphasis on humanism and epistemology or the study of thought and ideas. Ancient Greek and Roman art introduces an epistemological shift where we can see the value in humans and the human form. The experience of Greek and Rome is represented through the human body. Although different art from different time periods have many contrasting aspects, they also share many similarities as well.
Starting off Unit 2, we are introduced to a Geometric Krater found at the Dipylon cemetery in Athens. Although the krater was used mainly for funerary purposes, we can see many similarities to other arts of the ancient world such as the Standard of Ur. Similar to the Standard of Ur, the Geometric Krater uses horizontal bands or registers with each register representing different concepts. The style of dividing a piece into registers is very common in art of the ancient world. Fast forward to ancient Greek sculptures, we are introduced to the free standing sculpture of Kouros. The Kouros is very similar to the statue of King Menkaure and Queen of Ancient Egypt. The Kouros is positioned exactly like King Menakaure with an emphasis on verticality. Both pieces seem to express a very stiff position, one that humans would most likely not be accustomed to. Although they are positioned very similarly, the Kouros is completely nude whereas King Menakaure is clothed with a headpiece and traditional Egyptian skirt called a shendyt. This difference shows that Ancient Greeks, unlike Egyptians, showed a cultural pride in nudity which touches back on the idea of humanism and appreciation for the human form. Aside from sculptures, art in the ancient world can also be seen through temples such as the Parthenon. Greek temples such as the Parthenon were very large unlike Roman temples. The Greeks carried out rituals and worshipping which took place inside these large temples. Romans on the other hand, held rituals outside their temples meaning their temples did not need to be large in size. The Roman Villa of Publius uses a linear perspective making an illusion of space drawing the audience’s eyes towards the temple itself. Unlike the Villa of Publius, Greek temples show similarities to large structures such as Egyptian pyramids. Similar to Greek rituals being held inside the temples, Egyptian pyramids were used as tombs for pharaohs and queens. These large structures emphasized the importance of the rituals and worshipping of higher power.
Art in the ancient world share many similarities and differences. Through these different time periods, we are able to see the influence of a culture’s art on another as well as the differences they may share.
