Ancient Egyptian Art Influence

Study Notes

Ancient Egyptians had a significant influence on Western art, particularly in terms of symbolism, which was later seen in Renaissance paintings and continues to be used in art today.
Egyptian architectural methods and techniques for creating bricks and building materials still influence the construction of architectural monuments today.
Egyptian hieroglyphs were one of the earliest scripts in the world, and while our current alphabet is not pictorial like hieroglyphs, the desire to communicate through images is something that our society can relate to.
The worship of pharaohs and animal gods in ancient Egypt can be seen as a precursor to the contemporary phenomenon of celebrity worship.
The period of ancient Egyptian art lasted from about 3000 BC to 30 BC and was divided into three kingdoms: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom.
Ancient Egyptians were the first to create portraits of individuals, and the size of figures in Egyptian art was highly symbolic, with pharaohs often depicted as the largest figures, symbolizing their power and dominance.
Egyptian painting used mixed perspectives, with different body parts and objects in the same scene viewed from different angles to make them easily recognizable.
Egyptian painting is characterized by its flatness, with no horizon or vanishing point, and the use of parallel lines called registers to separate scenes and provide a sense of depth.
Sculpture and pottery also played important roles in ancient Egyptian art, with the invention of the obelisk and the use of stone columns being notable contributions.
The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most well-known pieces of Egyptian sculpture, and sunk relief sculptures were carved into flat surfaces, following the aesthetic of Egyptian painting.
The Amarna period was a high point in ancient Egyptian art, characterized by increased attention to detail, more figures in each scene, and a sense of movement and urgency.
Most of ancient Egyptian art was not meant for public display but was intended as sacred tomb decorations for pharaohs and other important individuals.
Ancient Egyptians had access to art in the form of amulets, jewelry, cosmetic containers, pottery, and furniture.
The impact of ancient Egyptian art can be seen in the arts of ancient Rome and Greece, and its influence is still evident in contemporary art.

Description

Explore the profound influence of ancient Egyptian art on Western art, architecture, and symbolism, from the use of hieroglyphs to the portrayal of pharaohs and animal gods. Discover how Egyptian art techniques and styles continue to shape contemporary art today.