Download - Anatoly's Art History: Ancient Egypt
Ancient EgyptBackground
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
What sort of imagery do the words "Ancient Egypt" conjure up?
Vast, almost endless desserts peppered with immense pyramids and
Sphinx statues?
These are the hallmarks of Egypt, the pieces that everyone knows
that has served to define the era of artwork for thousands of years,
and will continue for millennia to come.
Ancient EgyptBackground
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
Perhaps you picture the twodimensional wall paintings Egypt made
famous.
One of the most fascinating and beneficial facets of art appreciation
is the history contained within each and every piece. This can be
said even more so for Ancient Egypt, as their art is highly engrained
in keeping the memories, people and beliefs of the past alive through
artwork.
Ancient EgyptPaintings
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
Most paintings in Egypt were what's called "relief paintings," which
involve carving into walls and stones, then painting the result.
The twodimensional paintings on walls and tombs in Egypt define
the culture's art form, offering a very different profile
esque perspective.
Many paintings in Ancient Egypt focused on the Gods and rulers of
the time, and the scale used reflected the hierarchy system.
Ancient EgyptDivine Intentions
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
Examining the interior of the various tombs found throughout Egypt
tips us off to one large fact about some of Egypt’s art: the Gods may
not have just been the subject of the art, they may have been the
intended audience.
Artwork found inside burial chambers within tombs was intended only
as rituals and pieces to appease the Gods, not for people like you or
me to see and appreciate.
Ancient EgyptWood Metal & Stone
Anatoly "Tony" Vanetik
Stone statues were commonly carved intricately, then painted to
appear more lifelike.
Woodworking was more varied, in that carved pieces were created to
depict scenery and highranking members of society, as well as used
for coffins and tombs. These were often encrusted with metal and
jewels and made incredibly ornate with paintings and hieroglyphs.
Metalworking in Egypt was primarily used as jewelry, and was
reserved for those in higher society.