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Ancient Art

In: English and Literature

Submitted By jazzytif25
Words 744
Pages 3
Ancient Art
By
Tiffany Roy
HUMA 205
AIU Online

Abstract
This is a comparative essay that will take two pieces of ancient artworks and explore their meaning and culture. It will explore subject matters, form and content of the pieces as well as compare them to one another. The artworks chosen for this essay are: The Nike of Samothrace (Greek) and a funerary sculpture (African) made by the Bara or Sakalava people of Madagascar, Africa.

When it comes to ancient art, there are many different cultures that can be compared and interpreted with one another. The subjects of this essay come from ancient Greek art and ancient African art. Greek art mostly depicted humanism, gods, power, harmony, order, adoration, etc. It served as a symbolization of political, religious, and/or ethical purposes. Greek art upheld spiritual views as well as unity and the dedication to great rulers. In a sense, Greek and African art are similar in many way with only a few differences. African art depicted deep spiritual and religious views. It also expresses the true respect for the human figure (humanism) as Greek art does. Sculptures of warriors and powerful people were often made to hold their spirits in a way of making them live on forever. African art expressed harmony and balance as well as vigor in detail and orientation. The first artwork to be explored will be the Nike “Victory of Samothrace”. (The Meaning of Greek Art, 2012). (Evans, 2010).
This is a three-dimensional sculpture that was built between 220 and 185 BC in adoration/celebration of the Greek victory goddess Nike. It was made with Parian marble with a finished color of gray. The detail of the statue showed definite lines, wrinkles and shadows of its clothing, wings and body. Symbolism played a big part in the creation of this sculpture. The detail in the muscles of the statue’s body show great strength and power possessed. A female warrior who is headless with wings symbolizes that Nike was a feminine conqueror that was strong yet angelic in appearance. This representational statue itself stands at 9ft tall which includes the wings. Nike’s position or stance depicts a forward pressing position that incorporates energy and movement. The position of the statue is bold and full of vibrancy. History findings have shown that the pieces that have broken off of the statue are two arms, a possible wreath and war gavel, and a female head. One of the hands found were in a position with the two first fingers pointed outward as if giving an order, action or greeting while the other appeared to be holding something; predicted a wreath or gavel. (Foret, 2008).
The next three-dimensional piece of art is a representational funerary sculpture made by the Bara or Sakalava people of Madagascar, Africa. This is a six foot tall wood carved statue also made with metal and pigment. It is a statue of a very important African warrior carved to honor him and his spirit. It was then placed in a cemetery. There is also great detail in this sculpture as well. Carved in a realistic manner, the shoulders and chest show great muscle while the legs appear very athletic. These features symbolize strength and valor of this warrior as well as physical boldness. The detail of the toe and fingernails can also be seen. Battle tools can be seen in both of his hands which could mean he died while in battle. The statue’s standing position is as if he is about to attack. The depth of emotion on his face says that he was determined as well as serious about the cause of battle. (NMAfA_Funerary Sculpture (Sakalava or Bara peoples, Madagascar), 2012).
These two artworks are very similar in ways as far as culture and meaning: they depicted the adoration and appreciation of the human body, were made as a remembrance of great warriors and both were not modest in detail and symbolized great energy.

References
Foret, Valerie. (2008). A closer look at the Victory of Samothrace. Museum of Louvre. Retrieved from: http://musee.louvre.fr/oal/victoiredesamothrace/victoiredesamothrace_acc_en.html#menu
The Meaning of Greek Art. (2012). retrieved from: http://www.greek-thesaurus.gr/classical-period-greek-art.html
Evans, Bronwen. (2010). Contemporary African Art: African art history. Retrieved from: http://www.contemporary-african-art.com/african-art-history.html
NMAfA_Funerary Sculpture (Sakalava or Bara peoples, Madagascar. (2012). retrieved from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jfholloway/2563522224/

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