Feature: Egyptian Art, part 1

Historytimes.com (Tony Holmes)

The magnificence of Ancient Egyptian art remains one of the constants of its more than 3,000 years of history. Some of the earliest works are as beautiful, accurate and skilful as those produced in the later period. We of the modern era are privileged to view and appreciate works by those fine artists. Most of the art produced by Egyptians in Ancient times was never meant to be seen by ordinary folk. Sculptures, carvings and paintings were either hidden in temple to which only priests had access or in tombs which were sealed once the occupant was laid to rest. The works of art were for the eyes of the gods and the benefit of the Ka or spirit of the deceased.

All Ancient Egyptian art had a serious purpose. Nothing was painted, carved, sculpted or written without a precise and definite reason. According to the prevailing belief, a depiction in pigment or stone of a person, a god or an object had the potential through magic, of actually becoming the subject of the art.