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All early civilizations – i.e. prehistoric, Near Eastern, Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, and Roman – attempted to represent the human figure within their art. Within this essay, provide a comprehensive analysis of the similarities and differences in the representation of the human form in these early depictions. Address not only the artistic portrayal of the human body, but also how these art forms were significant within the culture in which they were created. Provide specific artwork examples (including identifying data, such as titles or source references) throughout your essay
The depiction of human form in ancient art
Since the ancient ages, the human form has remained central to art.
Different ages and different artists have depicted it in their own
unique style. Its depiction in art had begun right from the
Paleolithic age. With each passing age, the depiction of the human
form grew more and more perfect. Starting from the Paleolithic age,
down to Ancient Egypt and Greece, the depiction of human form has
remained an essential part of the art of these ages and
civilizations. The purpose of depicting the human body was not
always to portray human beauty but art also presented the social
structure and customs of the era. The portrayal of the kings,
queens and deities was a common theme in the art of several
civilizations. Art has in this way continued to mirror the human
society and define human beauty. The following article traces the
history of portrayal of human form in art since the ancient
ages:
Paleolithic age
Human depiction can be seen in art as early as the Paleolithic age,
also known as the old stone age. The artwork of this era is known
for its variety. Most common forms of art found in this age were
shell necklaces, cave paintings, as well as animal and human forms.
The stone sculptures of the Paleolithic age depict human forms, the
most well known being the ‘Venus of Wineldorf’. Notably, only
female form found representation in the art of this era. Art
historians have named these sculptures of women ‘Venuses’ after the
goddess of love and beauty. The Paleolithic age is considered the
earliest stage in the development of art.
The Venus of Wineldorf was named after the name of the place it was
found. The sculpture was discovered in Austria at a place called
Wineldorf. The ‘Venus of Wineldorf’ is a limestone sculpture, a
little taller than 4 inches in height. It is the nude sculpture of
a woman with large breasts and hip. The nude sculpture with bulky
breasts and hips brings attention to female fertility which must
have remained the primary emphasis of the artist. The Venus also
signifies the important place held by the females in the
Paleolithic society. The facial features of the Venus clearly; only
a round head with tuft of hair at its top. This also showed that
the focus was on fertility rather than beauty. The bulky figure of
the Venus also made scholars imply that healthier women were
considered more fertile and able during the Paleolithic age.
Ancient Near
East
The Sumerians, the Akkadians, the Hittites, Babylonians and the
Persians were among the most notable civilizations of the ancient
near east. The art of near east depicted the human beings busy with
their real life affairs. In this age, art did not contain nudity as
during the Paleolithic age. Male forms were depicted with bare
chests and female forms with their breasts covered. This also
reflects the society was evolving and so was art. The art of the
Paleolithic age did not have facial features. However, the art of
the ancient near East depicted finely carved faces. The faces were
clear with sharp features. The Akkadian and the Assyrian art
depicted the king as a deity. His authority and superiority over
the other figures is reflected in the Akkadian and Assyrian art.
Victory stele of Naram-Sin King, and the male head from Niniveh are
some good examples of the depiction of human form in the art of
‘ancient near east’.
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt produced art that was breathtakingly beautiful. BY
this time art had undergone great evolution and human figures
depicted in art had exceptionally beautiful facial features. The
bust of Nefertiti is a very fine example of how human beauty
reflected in the art of ancient Egypt. The detailing of this era
was exceptional. This age is also known for its human size
sculptures. The pharaoh’s statue was built larger than others to
demonstrate his authority over all. The statues of the greater Gods
used to be larger than the smaller deities. The sculptures and
paintings of ancient Egypt all have very finely and precisely
carved faces and physical features. The wall of Nefertari’s tomb
has paintings of fully covered beautiful women. Egyptian art also
portrayed the supremacy and importance of the Pharaoh and other
political or religious figures. The paintings and sculptures of the
Pharaoh generally show him with his wife or courtiers. The bust of
Nefertiti, wall paintings of Nefertari and the golden death mask of
Tuton-khamun are some excellent examples of the portrayal of human
form in ancient Egyptian art.
Aegean Art
The Aegean culture had sculptures crafted in marble because of its
abundance there. The sculptures were made using plain geometrical
shapes like triangles or simple planes. A figurine of a nude woman
from Syros found inside a grave and that of a male iyre player from
Keros, Cyclades are demonstrate the beauty of the Aegean art. These
sculptures can be seen in the National Archaeological museum of
Athens. Human forms are also visible in the Aegean paintings..
These paintings depict ceremonies like bull leaping. The women were
painted in fair complexion and men were represented having dark
features. The palace of Knossos, Greece has the sculpture of a
snake goddess. The Goddess holds snakes in both her hands and there
is a cat on her head which signifies the power the Goddess had over
animals. Scholars also believe that it could be the sculpture of a
priestess.
Greek Art
Greek art’s depiction of humans is also quite exquisite. The carved
statues depict the human body in its full beauty. There are both
are nude and covered statues. The most important feature of the
sculptures is the fine detailing of the body parts. The Olympian
gods and goddesses are depicted with a sensuous appeal in the form
of marble statues.The statue of Aphrodyte of Knydos and that of
Hermes and Dionsyos are excellent examples of the sensuousness and
beauty that the Greek art was known for . Another important
sculpture from the Greek civilization is that of Herakles. These
statues depict physical details of the human body very finely.