Khary Maynard

10/3/13

HUA 101

Greek, Roman, and Egyptian Art

            Art is historically transcendental. It is a window that gives us a glimpse to perceive what the past was like. It also is a way of communication between the viewer and the artist; to converse in societal and cultural differences. Examples of art that have withstand the test of time and have been preserved to be able to sustain this glimpse into the past is Egyptian, Greek, and Roman.

            Egyptian Art focused more on the symbolism of religious belief of gods and goddesses and hierarchy. The picture below shows a sculpture of a man in a frontal position. This position would represent that this person is of noble status. The posture as to which he's standing embodies strength   and power. Also, the positioning of his feet, looking as though he's moving forward, was also a concept in Egyptian sculpture that was used only in sculptures of royalty.

            Greek Art dwells on a different focus. The human form is seen as the highest creation of nature to the Greeks. It focuses on the specific proportions of the human body. Along with this aspect, classicism, the recurrent sensibility of the realization of proportions, is also apart of the focus within Greek Art. The picture is that of the iconic Discobolos (The Disc Thrower). This sculpture was made of marble. The proportions are very detailed and a freedom of movement is a concept that was expressed in Greek sculpture.

            Roman Art takes a step away from the hierarchical and specific  proportions of the human body and focuses on being idealistic. Roman Art focuses on individuality; showing the imperfections, age, certain characteristics of the body. There was also an emphasis physical accuracy and paying attention to detail. An example of this is the art piece below is that of a man showing fear while laying against a horse. The name of this sculpture is Grand Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus depicting Roman conquest of Barbarians. This piece can also be found at the Met. The picture below is showing a piece of the whole sarcophagus. On the sarcophagus, each individual portrayed is expressing an emotion.

            Art history is way of communicating with the past. It lets the present have a glimpse of the society and cultural differences of past. This is the way in which the artist is able to converse with present-day viewers. The examples of Ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek Art are proof of this.