Styles & Periods

• Artists
• Styles & Periods
• Associations
• Glossary
• Projects
• Purchase Guides

Egyptian Art

By 3000 BCE, the various prehistoric cultures that had sprung up along the banks of the Nile came together to become Egypt, the world's first nation-state. This mighty civilization had its roots in African soil, yet had access to the Near East, and became one of the most influential cultures of the ancient world. Along the stately Nile, the Egyptians erected monuments primarily designed to immortalize the dead. Since death, for the ancient Egyptians, was not the end of existence, it was crucial to preserve the bodies of the powerful dead and supply them with the proper equipment needed to traverse the underworld, including vessels to hold food and drink, cosmetic palettes and other household items. Huge tombs were erected, containing mummified corpses, statuary, painted papyrus scrolls, bronze masks, and the necessary ritual items. Like the vast majority of ancient artists, the Egyptians used composite techniques in painting, depicting humans with profiled faces and forward-facing torsos. Stylized formalism is the typical tone. Decorated tombs typically carried the name of the individual within as well as representations of food, drink, gods, goddesses and narrative hieroglyphic texts. Mirrors, suns, and animals associated with various gods and goddesses, as well as depictions of the deities themselves, are all common elements of Egyptian art. The Sphinx, the Great Pyramids, the Tomb of King Tutankhamun, and a host of other famed art works suggest that the Egyptians may have met their goal of achieving immortality.

Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

At Least 29% Off Iridescent and Interference Acrylics by Golden Add unique dimensions to your acrylic works	At Least 29% Off Graphic Graphite Pencils Set by Derwent Great sketching set	From $19.99 The Art for Joy's Sake Journal by Schiffer Publishing The perfect way to add creative spirit to your watercolor.
At Least 39% Off Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colours by Winsor & Newton Genuine oils that clean up with soap and water	From $1.22 588 Series Sketch & Wash Pencil by General's use on any surface	Up to 45% Off Faux Squirrel Brushes by Dynasty Synthetic hairs provide extra durability