Art Is an Expression
Art History 6A
19 November 2011
Triumph!
Art is an expression that we as humans do as a way to express and communicate with others. Through art every painting/sculpture has an intended purpose and message/story to convey. No matter what race, gender, or class, one can understand what message is being shared or find an entirely opposite interpretation other than what the artist intended. It can relate to the individual on a personal level, and that’s the beauty of art. In this essay I will be writing about two pieces of art that have been around for thousands of years. I will be comparing and contrasting the Palette of King Narmer (back) and the painting “Ti watching a hippopotamus hunt.” Both murals contain symbolism, as well as concepts of life and death. Each in their individual way conveys a message of importance and triumph.
The Palette of King Narmer dates back to the first Egyptian dynasty, from Hierakonpolis, c. 3000 B.C, it is flat in appearance and double-sided with engravings on both sides, each individual side separated into 3 distinctive sections by horizontal lines with the middle being the biggest. It stands approximately 25” inches (63.5cm) in height and tapers down to a point. The structure of the piece is very similar to the outline of a shield. It is composed of a dark color slate, common rock found in Egypt. Unlike the Palette the painting of "Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt" is much bigger almost double in size, standing 4 feet tall. It was created during the fifth dynasty, Saqqara, c.2400 B.C. and is composed of painted limestone.
Prior to the creation of the Palette of King Narmer, art was divided throughout Egypt. Egypt was divided geographically and politically into Upper and Lower Egypt. Society had an emphasis on becoming unified and the palate marks the unification of these two lands. King Narmer is famously known as the first king to rule these lands. The palettes’ historical importance marks the transition from pre-historical to
19 November 2011
Triumph!
Art is an expression that we as humans do as a way to express and communicate with others. Through art every painting/sculpture has an intended purpose and message/story to convey. No matter what race, gender, or class, one can understand what message is being shared or find an entirely opposite interpretation other than what the artist intended. It can relate to the individual on a personal level, and that’s the beauty of art. In this essay I will be writing about two pieces of art that have been around for thousands of years. I will be comparing and contrasting the Palette of King Narmer (back) and the painting “Ti watching a hippopotamus hunt.” Both murals contain symbolism, as well as concepts of life and death. Each in their individual way conveys a message of importance and triumph.
The Palette of King Narmer dates back to the first Egyptian dynasty, from Hierakonpolis, c. 3000 B.C, it is flat in appearance and double-sided with engravings on both sides, each individual side separated into 3 distinctive sections by horizontal lines with the middle being the biggest. It stands approximately 25” inches (63.5cm) in height and tapers down to a point. The structure of the piece is very similar to the outline of a shield. It is composed of a dark color slate, common rock found in Egypt. Unlike the Palette the painting of "Ti Watching a Hippopotamus Hunt" is much bigger almost double in size, standing 4 feet tall. It was created during the fifth dynasty, Saqqara, c.2400 B.C. and is composed of painted limestone.
Prior to the creation of the Palette of King Narmer, art was divided throughout Egypt. Egypt was divided geographically and politically into Upper and Lower Egypt. Society had an emphasis on becoming unified and the palate marks the unification of these two lands. King Narmer is famously known as the first king to rule these lands. The palettes’ historical importance marks the transition from pre-historical to