Final answer:
Yes, the empire building in Egypt resulted in significant influences on the development of the arts, with periods like the Old, Middle, and New Kingdom reflecting cultural and political changes in their artwork. The exchange with civilizations such as Greece and Rome during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods also led to a blend of styles and techniques in Egyptian art.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is indeed a connection between the period of empire building in Egypt and the development in the arts. Ancient Egyptian art, which includes painting, sculpture, architecture, and other forms, advanced greatly during Egypt's long history. If we look at different periods such as the Old, Middle, and New Kingdom, we see that art evolved along with the cultural and political changes of the time. For example, art from these periods reflects the ideals of stability and order, highly valued by the Egyptian culture and essential for the functioning of the state and its bureaucracy.
The alliance and interactions with neighboring regions, like the Nubian Kingdom of Kush and the Mediterranean societies, influenced Egyptian art as seen in the blend of Greek and Egyptian styles during the Ptolemaic period. Moreover, the conquests of Alexander the Great brought about considerable cultural exchanges and the adoption of foreign religious practices and artistic techniques that impacted Egyptian art, particularly during Roman times.
Therefore, as Egypt's influence expanded through trade, conquest, and cultural exchanges, these global connections influenced the sophistication and styles of their artwork, infusing it with new materials and ideas. This also explains why overriding themes and techniques remained remarkably stable in Egyptian art over centuries, reflecting the consistent and stable nature of Egyptian political power.