Egyptian Funerary Art

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses funerary art of the Amarna period in Egypt: 1372-1350 BC. It looks at how Amarna art differs from the stylized representations found in older art forms. The paper focuses on examining the canopic jar as it appears in the Amarna period and then compares these to earlier art on these objects. The paper includes photographs for visual explanation. It suggests that technology played a major role in the development of art throughout the period.

From the Paper:

"This level of detail and portrayal of emotion occurs in other changes in the representation of the royal family. During the Amarna period, we begin to see representations of the royal family showing affection to his daughters. In the past this was strictly taboo and the royal family was represented as emotionless (Smith, p. 186). During this period we begin to see the royal family represented in a more humanistic attitude. They begin to be portrayed as humans, rather than above the capability of human emotion. This change in attitude broke traditional conventions and represented a new paradigm that permeated Egyptian art from this point forward."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Blatt, E. and Blatt, S. Continuity and Change in Art: The Development of Modes of Representation. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 1984.
• Kent R. Weeks, "Valley of the Kings," National Geographic, September 1998, Vol. 194, No. 3, p. 28.
• Noblecourt, C. and Kenett, F. Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom and the Amarna Period. Greenwich, CT: New York Graphic Society. 1960.
• Rosicrucian University On-Line (RCUI). Amarna Art. http://catzappin.com/amarna/Copy%20of%20Armana%20Art%202.htm. Accessed December 11, 2007.
• Smith, W. The Art and Architecture of Ancient Egypt. Baltimore, MD.:Penguin Books. 1958.

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