Egyptian art gives off a regal ambiance that shows the sophistication of a civilization while showing us the values that its people upheld. Though much of Egyptian art is anthropomorphic, the animistic aspects are used to compliment the human spirit. Usually shown as a sign of respect or adoration, anthropomorphic art shows us how Egyptians viewed a person, either courageous or life bearing. Egyptian art is very much a celebration of life, much of the art dealing with birth, fertility, and death. Even with death, Egyptian art shows us that it is a celebration of life which continues.
You can tell that the Egyptians had a focus on immortalizing their nobility(mummification for example, the preservation of the human body after death, to be decorated in an elaborate casket) by the art they produced. While not anthropomorphic, the art above also embodies a great aspect of Egyptian art. Above is the Nefertiti Bust of the 14th Century BC Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. The attention to detail in the limestone and stucco, tell us that Egyptian sculptures were grounded in realism. None of her features are distorted and the dye of the material on her skin was made to appear accurate to her complexion. The goal was clearly to celebrate and preserve not only the essence of this woman, but the Egyptian culture as well. What I find most fascinating about this sculpture is the juxtaposition between the clean human figure and the extravagant garbs of nobility.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nefertiti_Bust
Above is an example of Greek art. In this example of Greek art, we see not only a change in style but a combination of styles. This is a sculpture as well as a painting. This also is a testament to Greek culture, showing us how athleticism and tradition played a central role in Greek society. This is Panathenaic Amphora, which is a vase usually filled with olive oil, given to winners of the Panathenaic Games, a competition held every 4 years in Athens, the capital. The above shows runners competing in the games, and unlike Egyptian art that was more grounded on realism(in respects to the features of the human body), Greek art pays more attention and highlights the physical attributes of the body, boasting power and while not exaggerating, showing a bit of a sensational aspect on the form of the human body.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panathenaic_amphora
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panathenaic_Games
Above is an example of Roman art. This marble sculpture of Augustus of Prima Porta, while physically portraying an accurate depiction of the human body, boasts a sense of power and almost a divine nobility through grand posture. The bare feet is something that was reserved for the gods, and his military garb shows his authority, but his human features also add his humanity and commonality showing that he was probably a man of the people. There is also a cherub by his side tugging on him, showing that he may command angels.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_of_Prima_Porta
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