Ancient Egyptian Art
The artistic Egyptian masterpieces drew the admiration of the ancients. The Egyptian art usually portrays the spiritual and symbolic beliefs commonly found during the ancient period. From the impeccably carved statue of Karomama to the lavishly bright colored Cartonnage of Ankhpakhered, every single piece of art displays the flawless Egyptian antiquities. The preservation of the inimitable antiquities is the oldest relics of Egyptian artistry. The paintings, statues, and architectural forms of ancient Egyptian art depict an austere harmony, and leave a poise effect. The Seated Scribe and Stele of Lady Taperet are two of the most impressive antiquities that immaculately display the distinct shades of the ancient Egyptian creativity.
The Seated Scribe
The sculpture of The Seated Scribe is an important part of the ancient Egyptian antiquity. The Seated Scribe is a part of the Lourve Museum in Paris. The limestone painted statue seems lifelike with eyes inlaid with rock crystal and alabaster, beautifully circled with copper. The sculpture is of a seated scribe at work, and it was discovered in Saqqara by a French archeologist Auste Mariette, during the period of fourth Dynasty, i.e., 2620-2500 BC (The Lurve Museum) (While referencing from a website if the writers name is not present then just put in the main heading on the website in brackets in front of the idea taken from the website.). The identity of the unusually posed person remains unknown however, by examining the semicircular base, it seems the original piece was much larger and had a piece of rock with presumably its name and title. The man in the sculpture with a rather royal posture seems associated to the person of Pehernefer. The sculptor perhaps even represents a governor of a province. The unusually thin lips along with the broad chest further validates the belief of the main being the person of Pehernefer. The man in the sculptor seems to be writing on the half-rolled papyrus. The geometrical rigidity of the face qualifies it as being a rather naturalistic sculpture. The gaze in the eyes seems to mesmerize even from miles away. The eyes set in bronze, which are opaque white with quartz cornea, along with red-vine rock crystal iris, and ebony pupils leaves the people in admiration of the sculptor. The organic paint has been used for the finely drawn eyebrows. The body of the sculptor seems rather ignored as compared to the details added to only the face. The two wooden stubs equally lye on both sides as the nipples. Moreover, the delicacy of the hands, and nails of the sculptor shows the absolute brilliance of the anonymous artist. The man is dressed in a white kilt that stretches to his knees, and it seems like he was holding a brush of some sort in his fervently sculptured hands fingers and fingernails. The Seated Scribe is the most prized sculptor, which truly reflects the prolific ancient Egyptian art.
Stele of Lady Taperet
Just like The Seated Scribe, the Stele of Lady Taperet is a fine example of one of the most prized ancient Egyptian artwork. However, the Stele of Lady Taperet is a wooden stele whereas The Seated Scribed is a sculptor. The Stele of Lady Taperet shows Taperet, Mistress of the House, raising her hands in adoration before the falcon headed Ra-Haruakhety (Richardson, 2004, p. 45) (In APA Format while referencing a book be sure to mention the writer’s last name, year of publication, and page number on which the idea was present). The small wooden piece of artwork is a beautiful representation of the MS Symbol. The MS symbol hieroglyphic, symbolizes the white light of the sun. Through optical calcite, the ancient Egyptians discovered that the white light was made up of red, green, yellow, and blue light. The wooden stele shows the sunrays as flowers on one side, and it shows as being at its zenith whereas, Atum; the setting of the sun is shown on the other side. This marvel was introduced in Thebes around 1000 BC (Stele of Lady). The two plants lilies and papyrus symbolize the lower and upper Egypt, and the cone before Taperet symbolizes rebirth. One side represents the sun at its zenith where as the other represents the setting of the sun, i.e., Atum receiving Taperet’s prayers. The hieroglyph for the earth is formed by a black strip, which represents a schematic image of the universe. Moreover, both sides tell a story about Lady Taperet. The wooden stele imitates forms of nature with the papyrus and lily flowers along with the slender columns rising towards the sky. It seems rather gloomy with the dull background frowning down; however, at the same time it is filled with exuberant colors of gleaming white limestone, with surface covered with relief, and all colors of real life. The two-sided brilliancy of art is undeniable, and it is currently displayed in the Lourve Museum just like The Seated Scribe.
By Dhiraj Mali
Author Can be contacted at dhirajnmali@gmail.com
