Changes in Egyptian Art Essay Example

with cords to display their elevated status and power in society. The beard served as a distinction of their significance and ruling power over society.The artworks during the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom highlight the importance of Egyptian pharaohs and their role in society (Robins, 1994, p.37). It is worth noting that the fake beards worn by Egyptian kings in all three periods symbolized their divine nature and their role in guiding the people of Egypt. Therefore, Egyptian art in these periods portrayed and emphasized the use of fake beards as a representation of the high position and leadership of Egyptian rulers. However, there are differences in the color of these three images. The statue of Sahure is dark brown, Amenemhat III's statue is dark, while Ramesses II's statue is light brown. These color variations reflect the changing preferences of artists during different periods. The dark color used for Sahure's statue represents the ancient period, whereas the colors seen in the statues of Amenemhat III and Ramesses II demonstrate evolving tastes in art during different eras. It is apparent that artists associated with specific periods in Egyptian history had distinct color preferences, as evidenced by the appearance of these statues. The transition in image coloring throughout different periods in Egypt indicates changes in artistic preferences and societal ideals of beauty (Robins and Fowler, 1994, p.55).The statues of the three kings, Sahure, Amenemhat III, and Ramesses II, are depicted in different colors, highlighting the evolving tastes of early Egyptian artists. Their overall appearances also vary significantly. Sahure is seated on a lower ground alongside a Nome God, emphasizing his kingship and preparedness

to lead Egypt. Amenemhat III's statue only exhibits his head with a crown, indicating his leadership qualities. This artistic choice illustrates the changing presentation of images during this period. In contrast, Ramesses II sits on a raised throne, distinguishing him from the other two kings.The raised throne exemplifies the perception and value attributed to the pharaoh during Egypt's New Kingdom. It also symbolizes the leadership and social status held by the pharaoh. The three statues differ in their composition materials: Sahure's statue is made of gneiss, Amenemhat III's of black granite, and Ramesses II's of limestone. It is noteworthy that different materials were commonly used in each kingdom: gneiss in the Old Kingdom, wood in the Middle Kingdom, and limestone in the New Kingdom. Sahure's gneiss statue portrays him as a powerful figure seated on a throne, showcasing the pharaoh's authority during that era. The statue of Amenemhat III, made of black granite, reflects the association with wood and its significance in creating various images during the Middle Kingdom, including those of pharaohs. Finally, Ramesses II's limestone statue represents the gradual transition to its use by artists during the New Kingdom (Simpson and Gallery, 1977, p.44).During the different periods, artists in ancient Egypt embraced existing materials, reiterating their significance. The continuous change in tastes and the availability of materials served as the key reason for the transformation of art in this era. The Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom had artists with diverse interests and tastes that necessitated changes throughout these periods. Each period emphasized different aspects to make art more appealing and meaningful. Artists believed they could surpass their predecessors in

presenting images, leading to continuously evolving tastes among individuals. Additionally, there were changes in material availability, which influenced artistic choices. Stone, wood, and metal were used at different times to create various art pieces. Artists were motivated to adapt to existing trends and remain relevant. Overall, changes in Egyptian art were embraced across these periods as artists strived to appear current and maintain relevance.The nature of Egyptian art went through continuous changes due to evolving tastes and the availability of materials. These changes were necessary to elevate Egyptian art to new levels, resulting in significant transformations in the overall field of art. In conclusion, Egyptian art holds great importance globally. Ancient Egypt witnessed three distinct periods: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. This essay explores a comparison and contrast of the statues of Sahure, Anemenhat III, and Ramesses II from these time periods. The statues of these pharaohs can be found in the Metropolitan Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving ancient Egyptian art. One notable similarity among the three images is that all the pharaohs are depicted wearing crowns that highlight their position and significance in society. Additionally, these images share the portrayal of pharaohs donning fake beards - a common practice throughout Egypt's various time periods. However, these images differ in terms of color, materials used, and the way they depict pharaohs across the three periods. The continuous changes in tastes and available materials may have contributed to the evolution of Egyptian art.