Egyptian and Greek/Roman Art - Assignment 01

      Egyptian and Greek civilization have contributed great and glorious artwork to the world.  Egyptian and Greek/Roman art have similarities and differences. Using authority figures for artwork, use symbolism is several similarities between Greek/Roman and Egyptian arts. Egyptian art was oriented toward religion and Greek/Roman art based on philosophy. Egyptians used nudity only for servants and children. However, male and female nude portrayals are common in Greek and Roman style. Disproportion, symmetry and geometric clarity are the characteristics of Egyptian art. On the contrary, Greek/Roman art are realistic, detailed, emphasize emotions and not based on any symmetry.

     This Greek Sculpture Known as “Kritios Boy” made out of marble in 480 BC. This is a Standing male nude sculpture. It’s in a formal still position; however, shows potential for a movement. This sculpture is a great example to show the Greek art’s characteristic of realism and detail of human sculpture. Kritios boy has the correct proportion and naturalism of male body shows their understanding of human body as a whole system. Just as prof. Harmon says Greek sculptures are “product of actual observations and mathematical calculation.”  Unlike other marble sculpture, this artwork’s eyes have been hollowed out. This artwork’s smooth volume represents the Greek’s ideal of the athletic male body. 

This Egyptian sculpture’s name is colossal statue of King Menkaura. This belongs to the Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4, reign of Menkaura 2490–2472 B.C. and found in Menkaura Pyramid Temple, Giza. His headgear and clothing identify him as a royalty or the ruler or authority. Also the cobra on the head piece shows the royalty and divine authority. King’s clothes and headgear have geometric patterns to show clarity. Sculpture is in a stiff and formal seating position. King’s head built much smaller compared to its body and whole sculpture based on symmetry. This Egyptian artwork didn’t give out strong emotions however, expresses the supreme control and facial features shows the maturity and distinguishing royalty of pharaoh from normal people.