Final answer:
Zeus and Marduk are similarly depicted as powerful male deities but differ in their symbolic representation and artistic style, with Zeus often appearing in idealized human form in Greek art and Marduk associated with specific Mesopotamian mythological elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Images of Zeus and Marduk in ancient art share several similarities and differences, reflecting the cultural contexts in which they were depicted. Both are portrayed as powerful male deities, often represented with attributes that signify their might and authority. In Greek art, the Artemision Bronze may depict Zeus holding a lightning bolt, while Mesopotamian representations of Marduk might show him with his pet dragon, symbolizing his power over chaos.
Differences between the depictions stem from the local artistic styles and religious narratives of the cultures. Greek art, such as in the high classical period, emphasized mythical symbols and idealized human forms, which is demonstrated by figures like the Artemision Bronze that adhere to proportions and exhibit a sense of monumentality. Conversely, Mesopotamian art captured their deities in a way that was more closely tied to their beliefs and narratives, incorporating elements unique to their mythology and cosmology.
The reasons for these differences in depiction can be linked to the different cultural tendencies. For example, Greek art's focus on athletic and idealized forms, like the bronze statue of a seated boxer, shows their appreciation for human perfection and the physical form, which is mirrored in their depictions of the gods. By contrast, the Eastern representations could reflect different priorities, such as the societal roles and religious beliefs specific to the cultures that worshipped gods like Marduk.