Really fascinating. I have always been struck by the realism of the Fayum portraits- as if each person is still alive and waiting to share stories. And I sure can see how these influenced later icon-making. Judging by the exquisite Nefertiti sculpture, it seems like realistic art was already there in addition to the more stylized art. I look forward to the next part!
Fascinating dive into the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian art and its enduring impact on later cultures! Your detailed exploration brings these ancient worlds to life. I'm curious, do you have any insights on how these artistic traditions influenced other aspects of ancient Egyptian society?
I recently heard a short talk by an architect talking about how sacred architecture actually works. He described how Egyptian temples, for instance, often had supporting columns shaped and painted to look like giant palm trees, and these palm trees would be holding up massive edifices and stonework. The effect of this is lost today, as the paint has worn off, the columns have been blasted by sand and wind for ages, and the structures allowed to decay centers of power moved around, and Christianity and Islam supplanted the old pagan rites.
But if you try to picture it when new - the experience of entering an impossibly large mystical grove of gigantic palms holding up a roof of stone, scenes and scripts of sacred rights and stories adorning the walls, with the smoke of incense and sacrifice creating a permanent haze wherein the gods dwelt, and you can begin to see and taste how the art interacted with, and both influenced and was influenced by its society.
The Roman-period mummies are fascinating on their own as (if memory serves) in Alexandria the underground necropolis, with the realistic faces on the mummies, was a place where one would regularly visit with one's departed families. The realistic portraits were essential to keeping that communion with the dead.
Really fascinating. I have always been struck by the realism of the Fayum portraits- as if each person is still alive and waiting to share stories. And I sure can see how these influenced later icon-making. Judging by the exquisite Nefertiti sculpture, it seems like realistic art was already there in addition to the more stylized art. I look forward to the next part!
Fascinating dive into the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian art and its enduring impact on later cultures! Your detailed exploration brings these ancient worlds to life. I'm curious, do you have any insights on how these artistic traditions influenced other aspects of ancient Egyptian society?
I'm afraid this post represents almost everything I know about ancient Egyptian society.
I recently heard a short talk by an architect talking about how sacred architecture actually works. He described how Egyptian temples, for instance, often had supporting columns shaped and painted to look like giant palm trees, and these palm trees would be holding up massive edifices and stonework. The effect of this is lost today, as the paint has worn off, the columns have been blasted by sand and wind for ages, and the structures allowed to decay centers of power moved around, and Christianity and Islam supplanted the old pagan rites.
But if you try to picture it when new - the experience of entering an impossibly large mystical grove of gigantic palms holding up a roof of stone, scenes and scripts of sacred rights and stories adorning the walls, with the smoke of incense and sacrifice creating a permanent haze wherein the gods dwelt, and you can begin to see and taste how the art interacted with, and both influenced and was influenced by its society.
The Roman-period mummies are fascinating on their own as (if memory serves) in Alexandria the underground necropolis, with the realistic faces on the mummies, was a place where one would regularly visit with one's departed families. The realistic portraits were essential to keeping that communion with the dead.
Absolutely fascinating. I know nothing about Ancient Egypt, and this makes me want to learn more about it. Really looking forward to part 2!