Hieroglyphs in egyptian art

HW 5

  • Period: 1550 BCE to 1070 BCE

    New Kingdom

    The New Kingdom in Egypt was a very pivotal time; it's considered “the golden age” of art. It is known for its famous pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Tutankhamun, and Ramses II, which means many different types of artworks, were created in their image.
    Some main characteristics of the new kingdom are grand architecture and the glorification of pharaohs and their depictions. Highlighting their achievements and right to rule over the people because of their godly connections.
  • Seated Statue of Hatshepsut, ca. 1479–1458 B.C. From Egypt, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    1479 BCE

    Seated Statue of Hatshepsut, ca. 1479–1458 B.C. From Egypt, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Hatshepsut is one of the most successful female rulers of ancient Egypt, and even had the full title and power as pharaoh. The artwork here is a life-size statue of her made out of several different kinds of stones. Her pose is elegant and powerful, which ties into a lot of what the art in the New Kingdom looked like, especially when portraying royalty.
  • Block from a Relief Depicting a Battle, ca. 1427–1400 B.C. Egypt
    1470 BCE

    Block from a Relief Depicting a Battle, ca. 1427–1400 B.C. Egypt

    A fractured piece of a painted relief that was discovered as the base for Ramesses IV's mortuary temple. It shows soldiers being trampled under a royal chariot by the horses that pull it.
    To me this battle scene can tie into the reoccurring themes of the new kingdom in several ways. but one of the main ones being a similar idea of uplifting the pharaohs' status by always portraying them as mighty or a victor in some way.
  • Arched Harp (shoulder harp) ca. 1390–1295 B.C. Egypt
    1390 BCE

    Arched Harp (shoulder harp) ca. 1390–1295 B.C. Egypt

    A portable harp that was commonly used by female musicians, either performing on their own or in groups. many times accompanied by singers and other instruments.
    This one looks like the frame is made to resemble the spine of a person who is captive, with the head at the end of the curve facing outwards.
  • Royal hand, ca. 1353–1336 B.C. Egypt
    1353 BCE

    Royal hand, ca. 1353–1336 B.C. Egypt

    A carving of a hand that is considered to have a very important place when it comes to worship and royalty and treating kingship as godly. Where it promoted the worship of only one sole god from the king, this is shown by the details in how the hand is depicted, like the unique gestures or movements that were specific to Egypt.
  • Ostracon with Pharaoh Spearing a Lion and a Royal Hymn on its Back, ca. 1186–1070 B.C. Egypt
    1186 BCE

    Ostracon with Pharaoh Spearing a Lion and a Royal Hymn on its Back, ca. 1186–1070 B.C. Egypt

    A hunting scene depicting an unnamed pharaoh killing or slaying what looks to be a lion. There is also writing nearby it that reads something about the pharaoh prospering and always being healthy. Which circles back to several bits and pieces of the themes that occur within art of the New Kingdom.