The Art of Ancient Egypt
Art in Focus
Chapter 7
Early Inhabitants Along the Nile
•When?
• From Where?
• Why?
Periods in Egyptian History
Settling brought about increased
populations. Towns grew and took
over neighboring villages. Soon there
became a need for some kind of
organized governance. Their solution
was the rule of the Pharaohs.
The Old Kingdom
3100 B.C. – 500 years
Characterized by:
•God like pharaohs
•Pyramids
•Marriage
The Middle Kingdom
2050 B.C.
Characterized by:
•Pharaoh as High Priest, interpreter between
God and people
The New Kingdom
1570 B.C.
Characterized by:
•Extended rule
•Change in religion
•Conquer of Egypt in 332 B.C.
Architecture
Pyramids
• Shape
• Size (of Khufu)
• Measurements
• Inside
• Symbolism
• Evolution of shape
Temples
Location?
Why?
Sculpture
Egyptian sculptures were created
primarily as portraits of rulers. They
were critically important as tombs were
not always protected from raiders.
•Khafre
http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/new_pyramid/pyramids/html/el_pyramid_khafres.htm
•Sesotris III
http://echoesofeternity.umkc.edu/Sesostris.htm
•Akhenaton
http://www.akhet.co.uk/amarna/akhena10.htm
Relief Sculpture and Painting
The rules of Egyptian art dictated a few
things:
• Distortion
• All parts shown
• Displayed in tombs