Egyptian and Greek Art

When studying the forms of art in different time periods and regions, there are many noticeable similarities and differences. For example, when comparing Egyptian and Greek styles, there are striking differences relative to their culture. In Egyptian art, a lot of pieces were symbolic and the depictions of people in power had a sense of strength, geometric symmetry, and power. The sculptures and paintings seemed very flat and rigid which compliments the sense of strength and ruggedness, while subtly expressing warmth and vitality. There is also a prevalence of animals in the symbolism such as the cat and the cobra. Many artifacts were also buried with the dead and were believed to be carried into the afterlife with them, therefor many art pieces were geared toward bringing good fortune to the afterlife.

Fig. 1 Heryshaf: Egyptian Ram-Headed God.

One example of Egyptian Art is the depiction of Heryshaf: Egyptian Ram-Headed God (Fig. 1). Heryshaf was attributed to being a creator and fertility god. When observing the pose, one may notice the figure is very compact and stiff. this subtracts from realism but interestingly adds to the geometric symmetry and authoritative nature of the figure. This sculpture is also anthropomorphic, which displays the heavy influence of symbolism in their religion and art.
In Greek art, it is evident that artists focused more on being anatomically accurate in their sculptures and paintings. The human form is a lot more detailed, relaxed, and contained ideal proportions which made sculptures very life-like. One may notice the influence mythology had on Greek culture as it is heavily represented in their art. Greek art also has a lot of expression and emotional depth in the sculptures that depict fuller stories and ideas, whereas in Egyptian culture, the art pieces usually depict a specific scene or a symbolic idea.

Fig. 2 Laocoön and His Sons
(~ 27BC - 68AD)

An example of Greek art is Laocoön and His Sons. Laocoön was a trojan priest and he is shown in agony along with his sons Antiphantes and Thymbraeus, who are being attacked by sea serpents. The figures are near life-size and the group is a little over 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height. This statue illustrates naturalistic poses, and anatomically accurate people found in Greek art. The detailed sculpture expresses many emotions through the body language of the figures and depicts a story. This shows how much the greek paid attention to detail and perfection when creating their art.