1. Hieroglyphics Hieroglyphics were an early form of picture writing.
These symbols, some of which represented objects, communicated information and were included in wall paintings and other art forms to help tell the story.
The signs were generally spaced to form attractive patterns frequently clusters of squares or rectangles called a cartouche

2. In English

3. The Egyptian art of Writing
Reading/writing primarily happened in the temple or the pharaoh’s residence
Highly respected the written word
The ancient Egyptians had the same word for writing as for drawing—medu netcher—which meant literally “the words of the gods,” or “divine words.”
Believed that texts were divinely inspired
Only about 4 out of 1000 could read or write

4. Ancient Egyptian art is five thousand years old
Ancient Egyptian art is five thousand years old. Expressed in paintings and sculptures, it was highly symbolic and fascinating.
Despite the longevity of the Egyptian civilization, the art remained very much the same. This is remarkable considering how extreme the differences in art expression that have occurred in the modern world in just the past 100 years or so.

5. Where can we find Eygptian Art?
Most Egyptian art is found underground in tombs or in the pyramids. Most of what we know about Egyptian art comes from the paintings the Egyptians created in the tombs of rich people when they died.

6. Considering these examples of Egyptian art, what would you say about the artistic style?

7. Frontalism This is the name given to the Egyptian style of painting.
Realism was simply not a goal of ancient Egyptian Art.
It is these very formal and stylized rules that have made Egyptian Art one of the most widely recognized forms of art in the world.
Every known piece of Egyptian art was drawn in this style.

8. Rules of Frontalism
Rule #1: Head/Face
Head always in profile – but ONLY the head
Eye shown from a frontal view
Faces shown as serene and peaceful

9. Rule #2: Stance
Body always shown from a frontal view
Both feet, legs, arms, hands shown
Legs face same way as the head
One foot in front of the other
Gods and pharaohs have a rigid and formal stance

10. Rule #3: Colour
Men painted in red ochre
Women painted in yellow ochre
Other colours used were white, black, blue and green

11. Rule #4: Scale
Objects/people were not shown accurately in terms of size
The more important a person or object, the larger it was eg. A man might be larger than a group of trees
A Pharaoh was always the largest figure in a drawing

12. Rule #5: Proportions
Hands and feet often large compared to the rest of the body

13. Egyptian Art History review
Egyptian Art History review

14. Egyptian sculptors at work on various statues
Egyptian sculptors at work on various statues. Drawing after a painting in the tomb of Rekhmire, c.a BC.

15. To the ancient Egyptians, their schematic and conceptual image of the body mapped within a grid system was a divine gift that would be spoiled by any deviation from the norm.

16. The art of Egypt reflected their closeness to nature, in both the common and the supernatural aspects of their lives.
Ancient Egyptian art is characterised by the idea of order. Clear and simple lines combined with simple shapes and flat areas of colour helped to create a sense of order and balance in the art of ancient Egypt.
In many ways, the art of Egypt is infused with their beliefs about nature, which stemmed from a belief in the continuing river of life.

17. Thanks for
Your Attention
And being all ears
Any questions?