Question

How would you describe the meaning of your Egyptian style drawing?

Answer 1

Egyptian-style drawings are characterized by their composite views, consistent symbolism, and sunken relief sculptures. They served as both art and symbols of the cultural identity, religious beliefs, and eternal values of the ancient Egyptians. The art was both aesthetically significant and served a functional purpose in the daily and afterlife of the Egyptians.

Step-by-step explanation:

The meaning behind Egyptian-style drawings is deeply rooted in the cultural, religious, and societal norms of ancient Egypt. The imagery in these drawings served not only as decorative elements but also as symbolic references to the afterlife and the divine. When describing Egyptian art, it is paramount to understand its function and iconography, as well as the strict conventions followed in terms of symbols, gestures, and body renderings. For instance, Egyptian art is characterized by its consistent use of composite view, where the head is depicted in profile while the torso is shown from the front. Moreover, the elaborate use of colors like red, blue, black, gold, and green further added to the aesthetic and symbolic significance of the drawings. Royal imagery remained remarkably consistent, echoing the Egyptian values of stability and divine balance. In contrast, the representation of lower-class individuals, such as musicians and dancers, sometimes broke away from the formal conventions, showing frontal faces and adding a sense of liveliness to the artwork.

Another distinctive feature is the use of sunken relief in sculpture, well-suited for the intense sunlight of Egypt. Figures adhered to a standardized set of proportions called the '18 fist' convention, demonstrating the precision and canonical approach to Egyptian artistry. Naturalistic features became prevalent in later periods, reflecting individual characteristics and even showing Hellenistic influences after Greek conquests.

In essence, the meaning behind Egyptian-style drawings can be seen as a blend of cultural identity, religious belief, and artistic convention — all amalgamated to celebrate and eternalize the life and values of the ancient Egyptians.

Answer 2

The art of ancient Egypt was both uniquely stylized and symbolic. In the same way that hieroglyphs were a visual language, the art of ancient Egypt followed specific rules in order to be read and understood. Artists were not so concerned with creating highly realistic images rather, they followed a system called the Canon of Proportions to represent an ideal and harmonious version of reality. In this lesson, students will analyze images of ancient Egyptian artwork to create a definition of the artistic style. Students will continue to explore the Canon of Proportions by designing their own contemporary image using this formula