Essay About Ka-Aper And Ka Statue Of Ka-Aper

Ka and Ka-Aper
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The Ka statue of Ka-Aper comes from the deceaseds brick mastaba at Saqqara,
Egypt some time between 2450-2350 BCE. The Koursos statue of Kroisos was created
many years later, some time around 530 BCE, as a grave marker for the deceased
hero in Anavysos, Greece which is not far from Athens. The two statues contrast
drastically; however still manage to share subtle yet significant
characteristics.
Ka-Aper stands at an unimpressive 37″, while Kroisos was created to a life
like size of 64″. Though the two differ greatly in height, they both were
composed in the same freestanding Egyptian stance. Their left legs both extend
forward as if in motion; however their stiff hips make the movement very
unrealistic. The shoulders and arms also take a similar position. Ka-Aper is
holding a staff in his outstretched hand; though the other is at his side almost
identical to those of Kroisos. Their composition is quite similar yet the
material used to create them is not at all. Ka-Aper was carved from a tree trunk
which the body of the figure still greatly resembles. The arms were carved
separately and then pegged on later. Ka-Aper was also at one time painted,
however over the years it has worn away. Kroisos on the other hand was carved
from marble as was custom of Grecian sculpture. He too was also at one time
painted as all Greek stone statues were. Lastly the two figures both exhibit
bare feet. This may signify that they were being portrayed on sacred ground. In
Ka-Aper case it was his mastaba, and in Kroisoss his grave.
The style of the two statues exhibits great contrast. The artist created
Ka-Aper in a very realistic light. He is much less formal and his body is far
from ideal. The figure also possesses a sense of plasticity, even furthering the
realistic effect of the statue. This realistic approach was innovative for the
time period. Ka statues were traditionally created with ideal proportions in
order to show the deceased in the best light. His full body also gives evidence
of the comfortable life he must have lead being a member of the upper class in
Egypt. The artist did all of this on purpose of course, because he was creating
a specific portrait of Ka-Aper. The artist of Kroisos was much less concerned
with realism and thus created a very ideal and toned figure. The statue portrays
a man that was no more specific