Art History
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Figurative art represents the type of culture that is present in a specific time period. The figure brings back the life of that culture. It helps us identify the culture politically and spiritually. When looking at these figures we need to study the object carefully. We need to be aware of the color, shape, size and texture of the object. Shadows and the use of light also help us analyze the image.
Eshnunnas “Perpetual Worshipers” on page 36 figure 2-5, are figurative images that stand about two feet six inches tall, and are carved out of soft gypsum and inlaid with shell and black limestone. The figure gives us insight of the Sumerian religious beliefs and rituals. The stances of the figures are very significant. Having their hands folded in front of their chest as if they were in prayer indicates that they are worshipers rather than Gods. These images are typical for Mesopotamia. The Sumerians and their successors in the ancient Near East worshiped numerous Gods. Both images have small beakers in their hands that were used in religious rites as well. Hundreds of these goblets have been found in the temple complex at Eshnunna. Their facial expression relieves to us that they are worshipers. The evidence I found to determine is the votive, oversized looking eyes. The eyes are attentive and alert showing that they are dedicated to the Gods, symbolizing their eternal wakefulness. Both figures are clothed. The male figure is wearing a fringed skirt with a belt around the waist. He has shoulder length hair with a long beard and bulky shoulders that represent his masculinity. The female figure is draped with a long robe, leaving only a shoulder bare. The figures are not portraits, but do distinguish a physical type. Inscribed under the male figure is his name. The birth of civilization and the invention of writing both occurred in Mesopotamia. The Sumerians built the first monumental temples and filled their religious grounds and tombs with statues, relief, and objects of gold, and other costly materials.
Figure 3-13 on page 66 of “Menkaure and Khamerernebety”, is a figurative image of Egypt. It stands four feet and six and half inches tall. The stances of these figures also show us that they are votive figures. Both figures have one foot forward showing motion, as if they were walking towards the Gods. The female figure also gives us a sense of abundance. Her arm gently rest upon male figure next to her, possibly representing their martial status. These images are typical of Egypt. They might be tomb figures because they are votive and were constructed upon a stone block.
Figure 5-34 page 129 is a classical statue of a warrior. It was found in the sea near Riace, Italy. It was found in the cargo of a ship that sank on its way from Greece probably to Rome. This is expected because Greek sculpture was much admired there. It stands six feet and six inches tall. This image