Ancient Egyptian Art Part 2.

Ancient Egyptian Art

Part 2

Key Ideas

• Middle Kingdom began after a period of instability (intermediate period)

• More powerful local governments• Pharaohs’ power diminished; left responsible

mostly for raising standing armies to defend borders (especially the Nubian border to the south)

Rock-cut Tombs, Beni Hasan, c. 1985-1795 BCEOn left is entry to tomb of Amenemhet (provincial governor); cut directly into cliff; detailed carving inside

Model of House and Garden, from tomb of Mekatra, Thebes, 2125-2055 BCE, painted and plastered wood and copper, 33”

• Shows what inside of house may have looked like

• Portico with columns at water feature

• Water was a luxury, so a pool was a sign of wealth – stocked with fish and plants

Plan of the Northern Section of Kahun, 1880-1874 BCE, modern el-Lahun

Head of Sunusret III, c. 1860 BCE, stone

• More expression than in old kingdom

• Reflection of period of civil unrest

• Battle-hardened from four major battles with the Nubians

• Careful attention to detail – folds of flesh, furrowed brow, introspective

• Looks depressed - not heroic as in old kingdom depictions of rulers

Funerary Stele, 2055-1985, painted limestoneMuch more relaxed than old kingdom scenes; family with feast food; luxurious linen fabric

Hippopotamus, 1985-1795 BCE, faience, from tomb of SenbiSmall item (under 8”) left in tomb so the deceased could hunt in the afterlife; lotus blossoms on sides; natural representation of the hippo