The way humans have been depicted in art has changed over time and

varies between different cultures. Moreover, the architecture of various

cultures has been as diverse as the human depictions. There does however
seem to be common themes to the art between cultures. Generally speaking,
people of all cultures create their art based on that particular cultures set of
beliefs or values. The architecture as well as the human form may be
artistically created to show the importance of a leader, the love for family,
respect for the dead, in hopes of fertility or to please their deity.
The Akkadian ruler Naram-Sin is pictured in a stele larger and with
more detail than his subjects and he is seen standing on the fallen bodies of
his enemy. He is pictured as strong, powerful and superior. His subjects are
looking up at him with respect and reverence. Conversely, his enemies are
shown cowering before him and begging for mercy. Naram-Sin is wearing a
helmet with horns that was traditionally reserved for gods perhaps showing
that Naram-sin feels that he is a god or godlike. In this stele Preeminence is
signaled by size. (Stokstad and Cothran, 2012). The text points out that in
ancient Mesopotamia, male potency and vigor were directly related to
political power and dominance. This is shown again with the goddess Inanna
on a carved vessel with her at the top of the vessel and her subjects waiting
on her. Also, in a common devotional practice, votive statues of alabaster
were fashioned and placed before a larger, more elaborate image of a god.
(Stokstad and Cothran, 2012) Again, Gilgamesh is shown atop a sound box
manhandling two steer with human faces showing his prowess and

dominance over the powerful animals. (Stokstad and Cothran, 2012).

Depicting a ruler or deity as larger, with more detail and above common
people seems to be a theme in the art of Mesopotamia. In architecture the
Mesopotamians built impressive buildings. The Sumerians built stepped
ziggurats in their cities, and, by the ninth century, the Assyrians were
building enormous palaces and fortresses. (Stokstad and Cothran, 2012).
The structures in early Mesopotamia were large and ornate.
Much like in Mesopotamia, ancient Egyptians created images of people
with the rulers, pharos or people of significance larger with the servants,
common people and animals smaller to show importance or respect.
Particular attention was shown to the renderings of kings. Egyptian art seems
to hold a special place any many peoples hearts. Our text even alludes to
this by stating by emphasizing clarity of line and color, streamlined forms,
and the distillation of nature to elemental geographic shapes, ancient
Egyptian artists established a standard of technical and aesthetic excellence
that we continue to revere to this day. (Stokstad and Cothran, 2012).
Funerary practices of ancient Egyptians were very fascinating. Do to their
belief in an afterlife, ancient Egyptians had an elaborate set of burial
customs that they believed were necessary to ensure their immortality after
death. These rituals and protocols included mummifying the body, casting of
magic spells, and burial with specific grave goods thought to be needed in
the Egyptian afterlife (Quirk, 2003).

In comparing early art of Mesopotamia, Egypt and Asia, it is evident

that early Asian art is the most culturally diverse. Even though the region is
closely connected philosophically and artistically, the text book points out
the work of India, Chinese and Japanese artists proudly reflects the profound
differences between their aesthetic traditions. (Stokstad and Cothran,
2012). It seems a preponderance of early Asian art was constructed to honor
rulers or show respect for religious leaders. As in Egypt, ancient Asians built
enormous tombs for their leaders. These were built to honor the ones
entombed there. The tomb for Emperor Shihuangdi is guarded by an
underground army of thousands of disciplined and alert terracotta figures
that are poised to defend their emperor throughout eternity. (Stokstad and
Cothran, 2012). These figures are all life size and very detailed. This shows
just how much respect the people had for Shihuangdi that they were willing
to put so much effort in this huge project.
Cultural beliefs, values and knowledge are often communicated
through art. Each culture puts their own set of values into the art they
create. Different cultures crate art to portray the human body in ways that
are meaningful to their culture. Furthermore, they may crate architecture
such as temples, shrines or burial grounds to show respect for leaders.
Whatever the reason, art is diverse and complicated. Interestingly, the
differences are as amazing as the similarities. Humans have always shown
respect through works of art.

Works Cited

Stokstad, Marilyn and Cothren, Michael W. Art a brief history. Upper Saddle River:
Pearson, 2012.
Quirk, Stephen. "Burial Customs in Ancient Egypt." Burial Customs in Ancient Egypt.
University College London, n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2014.