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What makes it look Egyptian?
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Style/What makes it look Egyptian?
 
Take a close look at the carved procession from ancient Rome. Some bodies are shown clearly, some are hidden behind others. Some are turned partly toward us; others are in profile.

In contrast, the Egyptian artist displays parts of the body as clearly as possible, almost like a diagram. Here the figures butchering cattle bend and twist. However, their heads and legs are always shown in profile and their chests always turned fully toward the viewer.

 

Even in a freestanding sculpture like this offering procession, Egyptian figures are usually shown in a limited number of symmetrical, upright poses. Compare this to the Roman procession that features a variety of lively gestures and positions. What mood does the body language of each procession communicate?Back