Similarities Between Mentuwoser And The Marble Stele Of Sostratos
Separated by more than 1000 years, the Stela of the Steward Mentuwoser and the Marble stele of Sostratos stand as reminders of the for their time period. The pieces share a similar function, but because of the cultures contrasting values the two are strikingly different. The Stela of Mentuwoser originating from the Middle Kingdom, depicts a towering figure next to three others which are bringing him offerings . The work is incised into a limestone and painted. Above the figures lies a wall of hieroglyphics explaining the many great deeds Mentuwoser achieved, and the instructions for an offering which should be brought to the tomb which held the work. The other figures to the right of Mentuwoser are his family including his son who is summoning
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Mentuwoser is depicted in profile view, His importance is illustrated by a hierarchy of scale and his inscriptions commending the great achievements he made in life. In opposition the Marble stele of Sostratos shows a highly emotional gesture, and a degree of naturalism. Although hierarchy of scale is used to show the slave boy’s lower social place the facial expression and hand gesture reveal the emotional context of the work. Each piece emulates the cultures interpretation of their Gods. For example the Greeks viewed their gods a more perfect form of man, who would often using and action on emotion. Because of that, the body of Sostratos is perfected to Greek ideals, and the figure is free to be depicted with emotion. Contrary the egyptian gods were sacred deities, many who weren't in human form. The gods were worshiped in a ritualistic and devotional manner. Inview of that, the Stela of the Steward Mentuwoser shows no human characteristics like expression, and instead has the instructions for the offering that should be left. The offering inscribed is just like the sacrifices that were given to the ancient egyptians that worshiped. Both works attempt to elevate the individual to a higher prestige by linking them to the cultural interpretation of divinity that the two cultures
Mentuwoser is depicted in profile view, His importance is illustrated by a hierarchy of scale and his inscriptions commending the great achievements he made in life. In opposition the Marble stele of Sostratos shows a highly emotional gesture, and a degree of naturalism. Although hierarchy of scale is used to show the slave boy’s lower social place the facial expression and hand gesture reveal the emotional context of the work. Each piece emulates the cultures interpretation of their Gods. For example the Greeks viewed their gods a more perfect form of man, who would often using and action on emotion. Because of that, the body of Sostratos is perfected to Greek ideals, and the figure is free to be depicted with emotion. Contrary the egyptian gods were sacred deities, many who weren't in human form. The gods were worshiped in a ritualistic and devotional manner. Inview of that, the Stela of the Steward Mentuwoser shows no human characteristics like expression, and instead has the instructions for the offering that should be left. The offering inscribed is just like the sacrifices that were given to the ancient egyptians that worshiped. Both works attempt to elevate the individual to a higher prestige by linking them to the cultural interpretation of divinity that the two cultures