Final answer:
Hierarchical scale is a key characteristic of Egyptian figural wall painting, where figures are sized based on their social standing or importance, with larger figures often signifying higher status.
Step-by-step explanation:
One characteristic of Egyptian figural wall painting was C. Hierarchical scale. Ancient Egyptian art, well-known for its distinctive style, often used the hierarchical scale to indicate importance. The size of figures in Egyptian art was often determined by their social standing or importance in the hierarchy, with larger figures representing gods, pharaohs, or figures of high status. Figures shown in wall paintings showcased specific art conventions, including a profile view of the head, frontal view of the torso, and side view of the legs. The use of composite view was also common in Egyptian art to represent the most informative view of an element within the artworks.
While some works exhibited naturalistic traits, the main goal was not to capture dynamic movement or to create abstract forms, but to provide a complete representation that served both symbolic and functional purposes. Therefore, when examining ancient Egyptian figural wall painting, one should note the symbolic use of hierarchical scale and its importance in conveying the status and significance of the depicted figures.