Art History: Egypt’s’ Pyramids, the Roman Colloseum and Ancient Greece

Egypt’s’ Pyramids

In Ancient Egypt, pyramids were considered to be a significant part of Egyptian art history. The important facet to realize is that genuine pyramids were statues which represented the immediate descending passage from the North Burial Innings as well as underground chambers to the South Side. Moving forward, Egyptian pyramids were forms of art which aimed at preserving already established relations between people and their respectable rulers. Representation of art through pyramids was influenced by religion and leadership. With respect to religious matters, pyramids were used to depict the possibility of life after death. Egyptian artistic style, especially in sculpture, architecture and paintings, was conducted with immense precision and strictly followed stipulated conventions. Pyramids were physical representations of life-giving chambers where gods and goddesses resided in order to give life back to the deceased kings and queens (Perl 79-90).

On the other hand, sculptures represented different gods as well as divine rulers of their land. Sculptures depicting males were made in a rather darker color than those of females. Notwithstanding, all of the human figures had a distinct pattern. Some of the parts of these human patterns were assigned animal parts. For instance, the goddess Anubis had a jackal’s head. The key convention of the ancient Egyptian art embraced frontalism as its style. For this style, artistic conventions were displayed in such a manner that the heads were viewed from the side while the sculptures’ torso was viewed from the front (Perl 93-123).

The Roman Empire: Roman Colloseum

Romans sculptors and other artists embarked on recycling most of the art produced by the Greeks. The recycling was adopted, because the Romans depicted Greek art as superior when compared to their own. Thus, it is fair to assume that Roman artistic conventions were found and represented on a predominant phase. Consequently, most of the art history was also based on the utilitarian principle given the fact that their representation was used to serve a greater good. This is manifested clearly in the course of propagating Roman values as well as respect necessary for upholding power. Notwithstanding, classical Roman representations have been used over a substantial period of time to influence cultures through such resurgence movements as the Neoclassical architecture (Crystal Links 1).

For instance, the great architecture of all times, the Roman Colloseum, was built to serve as a public entertainment arena. Culturally, the emperors used it for a free-gaming form of entertainment to the public. The important facet to realize about the building is that it was used for showcasing free games which depicted both prestige and power. Furthermore, the emperor increased his popularity through participation in the events poised. Free games were held for an entire day. These games involved fighting between slaves who were prisoners of war. The most significant feature of the Colloseum is the Velarium. It was used as an important awning which protected the spectators from direct sunlight. Its artistic convention elements were made possible through the attachment of vast poles on its top (Crystal Links 1).

Ancient Greece: Greek Temples

Greek art history is mostly related to religion. Thus, their artistic conventions in the course of the era led to the construction of vast and popular temples. Consequently, the temples were constructed in order to represent accrued civic power as well as pride. These temples assumed different architectural orders which possessed unique details as well as proportions. For instance, in the architectural Ionic order there were such temples as Erechtheum whose plan relied on numerous fundamental shrines located at a slopping angle. Notably, six sculptured female statues were attached to the temple in order to support it as well as authenticate the building all the same (Ancient Greece.Com 1).

In addition to this, Roman sculptures were represented in a profound manner throughout the ages. They were used to depict distinctive stories about gods, heroes, events as well as mythical symbols, which were a significant part of Greek culture as a whole.

Additionally, Greek mode of art formed a fundamental platform upon which modern-day artists get inspiration and innovative ideas. For instance, Michelangelo integrated his works together with a section of Greek art in order to come up with renowned masterpieces. During the period, the Greeks used readily available materials to make sculptures. For instance, the gods and goddesses were made of marble, stones or limestone given the fact that they were abundant (Ancient Greece.Com 1).

In conclusion, Greek art made a significant contribution to modern-day forms of art which are popular across the globe. Artistic conventions of that time allowed artists to deploy innovative ideas into making masterpieces that represented joy and freedom of expression amongst mankind.