Egyptian Art

Egyptian art is part of Unit 2 of AP Art History. During the period covered in AP Art History, Egypt goes through massive changes. There are pieces from the Old Kingdom (this period is after King Narmer unified Upper and Lower Egypt), from the Middle Kingdom (where Mentihotep unified Egypt), and the Amarna period (which was set up by Akhenaten). These pieces have some similarities with other Mediterranean art, including stoic expressions and frontality. 

Common Stylistic Characteristics:

• Pyramids: When you think about Egypt, pyramids are sure to come to mind. Pyramids were great burial complexes that were incredibly common in Ancient Egyptian art. They were often a part of a group or system of pyramids known as necropolises, which would be a place where the deceased's ka (see vocabulary section) would be able to be preserved and comfortable in the afterlife.

• Mastabas: The precursors to pyramids were more subtle burial sites known as mastabas. These mastabas were incredibly simple, where the body was buried underneath. The point of mastabas was to create a section where only the soul could enter. 

• Columns: Columns are a massive continuity in AP Art History. Ancient Egypt is no exception to this trend. Engaged columns were prominently featured in Egyptian art. For example, they were used in Imhotep's complex. Reserved columns were also used in inner chambers and some tombs. 

• Prism shapes: Prisms were often used in architecture. One theory is that Egyptians believed that the Earth was created from a primordial mound. Another one says that it is supposed to represent the rays of the sun descending down, which is also why the pyramids were constantly illuminated with bright, white limestone. However, it could very realistically be a combination of the two.

• Carved from living rock: Monuments often were carved right into cliffs and mountains they were located by. The Sphinx itself was made directly from a megalithic rock. 

• Pylon protection: Pylons were used to protect Egyptian monuments (see vocabulary list)

• Hypostyle halls: These halls were very common and where Ancient Egyptians believed a God should be housed.

• Monumental scale: Egyptian monuments were the tallest in the world at the time. They constantly experimented with height in their structures and the monuments' heights are extremely impressive. 

• Plant motifs: Plant motifs were used in many Egyptian pieces, especially at the top of columns. The most common plants used were lotuses and papyrus reeds.

• Sarcophagai: The dead were protected from grave robbers and vandals by being encased in a sarcophagus. These sarcophagi were extremely ornate and extremely tall.

• Hieroglyphics : Hierglyphics were used on sculptures and paper (papyrus). It was how the Ancient Egyptians would communicate ideas and record history in their monuments. 

• Funerary art: Egyptians believed that their Gods must always be satiated. Many of their art explored themes of the afterlife and their ritual beliefs about what happened after death. 

• No individuality: People in Egyptian art were often in profile (and some form of twisted perspective is used because their eyes are turned towards the viewer). They looked very homogeneous and were painted the same color with similar features. 

• Ground line: There was a defined ground line in a lot of Ancient Egyptian sculptures and wall pictures. Egyptians also created distance by placing figures away from the line into registers.

• Softer figures (AMARNA PERIOD ONLY): Figures were less idealized in the Amarna period and people were portrayed with thin limbs, massive stomachs, and slacking jaws)

• Relief sculptures: Sculptures were often carved in relief. It was very rare to see a completely freestanding figure in Egyptian art.