Department: ARTS and DESIGN

Subject Name: History of Arts

Submitted By: Zainab Ayaz
Roll-No: 503-2018
Submitted To: Sir Hamza
Submission Date: 23-Decenmber-2020
Topic Name:
History of Egyptian Art
Egyptian society was based on the concept of Harmony. All Egyptian art is based on perfect
balance and reflex the ideal world of gods. Different statue have been crafted very beautifully to
serve as a home for spirits or a god. Amulets have been designed not for aesthetic beauty but for
the protection purpose.

1. Early Dynastic Period (3100–2685 BC)

Art of this period is known as Narmer Palette which was created to celebrate the unity of
upper and Lower Egypt under king Narmer. The victory of king Narmer over his enemies
was told through a series of engravings on a siltstone slab that is shaped as Chevron shield.
Images of lotus flower, papyrus plants and Djed symbol are worked into the architectures of
buildings in both high and low relief. By this time the sculptors had also mastered the art of
working in stone to create three dimensional life-sized statues. The statue of Djoser is among
the greatest work of art from this period.
 Fig 1: Statue of Djoser Fig 2: Chevron shield

2. Old Kingdom Art

Tomb and temple paintings were elaborated in this kingdom when central government allow
the monumental works like Great pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx. Tomb paintings become
increasingly sophisticated but statuary remained static. Art during this period was state
mandated which means the king are high ranking nobility order a piece and also dictated its
style. Different artist may have had their own vision but they had to create in accordance
with their client wishes.

Fig 3: Pyramid of Giza Fig 4: Sphinx

3. Middle Kingdom Art

It is usually regarded as high point of Egyptian culture. The tomb of Mentuhotep II is itself
a work of art, sculpted from the cliff near Thebes. The paintings, frescoes, and statuary which
accompanied the tomb also reflect a high level of sophistication. Jewelry was also refined at
this time with some finest pieces of Egyptian history. A pendent of Senusret II which he
gave to his daughter was made by thin gold wires attached to a solid gold backing inlaid with
372 semi-precious stones.

Fig 5: Pendent of Senusret II