Comparison and Contrast Essay in Art
Introduction
The comparison and contrast essay will be based on two artistic images namely; Colosseum Head of Roman Patrician and Mummy Portrait of Faiyum. Various components of the artworks such as the stylistic characteristics, as well as, the cultural contexts under which the images were made will be analyzed in the comparison and contrast essay. Artistic beginnings are based on the initial stages of developing the artworks and the very first images that are produced. Art and architecture have been vital aspects of the Roman and Greek history as it has evolved over long periods. The iconography of the artworks used in the essay depicts plenty of undisputed interpretations which are specific to the two images.
Discussion
Artistic beginnings refer to establishment of the concept of initiating the artistic thoughts and feelings in individuals. Some of the world’s major artworks have been produced by individuals who had learnt about the basics of the field at an early age. This was further enhanced by provision of appropriate environment which increased exposure to established artists hence creativity was boosted. Various genres of art were developed to cater for different stylistic characteristics, as well as, presence of wide scope in which the skills could be applied. Some individuals indulged in architecture, sculptures and painting while others sought solace in ceramics and decorative objects (Berman, Freed, and Doxey, 2003).
Artistic beginnings were not only obliged towards determining the essence of beauty presented in the artwork but on the need to convey the expected message to the intended recipient. Other concerns of the images were the discursive functions of the work and the key features of style incorporated in the item. Similarly, the goals of the artist in producing the artwork and the symbols used in the finished item were relevant aspects of artistic beginnings (Whitley, 2001).
Ancient Aegean was a period in history during the Bronze Age civilization in the Aegean Sea basin. Aegean art is unique as it was notably vivid in its natural style and it was made of bronze. The main cultures were present during the ancient Aegean namely; the Minoan, Cycladic and Mycenaean cultures. Information regarding the ancient Aegean art was discovered during the 19th century excavation of Bronze Age sites. Quite a number of artworks were discovered and most of them are exhibited in major museums around the world (Montverdi, 1967).
Evolution of Ancient Greek Sculpture had been progressive in the earlier centuries before the Hellenistic period. Prior to the 5th century, the Greeks used bronze to produce large metal vessels which were used as ornamentals. These were decorated and used inn sanctuaries until figurines emerged into the world during the 8th century. The metal figurines of animals were used as antiques in most occasions. Sculpturing later on evolved progressively from bronze to incorporate stones and marble which are still in use presently (Berman, 2003).
Early public buildings were built of wood and mud bricks which were brought down by subsequent earthquakes hence they are no more. However, since the 7th century, the Greek architects discovered limestone which was cut into sizeable blocks and used in construction. Greek architecture involved two distinct styles namely; the Ionic and Doric style. The Ionic style was used in the west coast cities which depicted a relaxing and decorative style while the Doric style was used in the mainland as it was more formal(Whitley, 2001).
The ancient Roman art and architecture was heavily borrowed from the Greek hence there was need for Romans to make their work more explicit. The fact that Roman cities were larger made it easier to showcase artwork widely in the country. Roman architecture has been applauded for its durability due to incorporation of concrete as a building material. The concrete was later on covered with plaster, brick, marble veneer and decorative polychrome to increase the aura of power and wealth (Montverdi, 1967).
Colosseum Head of Roman Patrician and Mummy Portrait of Faiyum
Cultural context of both artworks
The Mummy Portrait of Faiyum is specific to Egypt especially during the period when Romans inhabited the land. These portraits were used during burials to cover the faces mummified bodies awaiting burial. These portraits were mounted on the pieces of clothing used to wrap the bodies where they depicted the chest, head or face of a single person. Depending on the social standing of the dead person, the portraits were either made of tempera (low class) or wax for those regarded highly in society. Mummy portraits were used in Egyptian burials after the Romans took control over the region hence the change in political situation may have led to increased use (Montverdi, 1967).
Consequently, Romans had been carrying out ancestor worship long before they took over hence the portraits in the mummy boxes were used to emphasis ancestor worship. Copies of the mummy portraits were displayed in the houses of the deceased such that his/her spirit would always be felt in the house (Berman, 2003).
Colosseum Head of Roman Patricianis a portrait depicting distinct features of individuals and oppression which was inflicted on residents of Colosseum during the early 5th century. The lifestyle depicted by the individuals living in the area at that time was quite low and the social class was dependent on the number of slave owned by the individual. The portrait was also used during burial ceremonies where mourners accompanied the dead and the last respects were paid during the procession. The political scene was highly charged with actions that brought a celebratory mood even though in most instances the life of a fellow human being was at stake. The social class was affected by religion as they were able to have customized portraits of their loved ones hanging in all major objects in the house those who could not afford were given miniature portraits to keep the legacy of the dead(Whitley, 2001).
Stylistic characteristics of both artworks
The mummy portraits were made with a natural theme in them such as that they depicted the natural form of human beings. The portraits for different genders were made in such a way that they held a close resemblance with the deceased hence making it easier to discern the dead. This stylistic characteristic was unique among the Roman painters such that common items such as hairstyles and beards were done in a variety of ways to depict the difference in processor. However, it was not compulsory that the facial presentation painted was made similar to that of the dead exceptions were only made for kings and queens who had almost similar resemblances. The most intriguing part was the distinguished differences in proportional personality features of the dead (Berman, 2003).
When establishing the stylistic characteristic of the mummies, their ability to augur well with other burial rites that were practiced by the Egyptians is exceptional. Despite the fact that most burial rites such as the size and depth of the grave were dependent on the financial, as well as, social status of the individual, presence of a mummy portrait was not dependent on either. Society used the artwork as a last respect for the deceased rather than a measure of the worldly life lived on earth. Similarly, the geometric regularity of the artwork was common in most mummy portraits such that the symmetry was maintained to improve the quality of work produced (Montverdi, 1967).
The Colosseum Head of Roman Patrician has stylistic characteristic in the sense that it is made in such a way that the definitive details that shape the face of an individual are included. This emphasizes the use of unique features such that members of the society can recognize the portrait without consulting the artists. Hence the Colosseum Head of Roman Patrician represents more natural presentation of the dead and those who meet the portrait along the way during the burial procession (Kleiner, 2007).
Consequently, Colosseum Head of Roman Patrician depicted controlled vitality which was exhibited by the seriousness of artists when working on the portraits. Not anyone could be entrusted with painting a portrait of an influential person hence the vitality was critical in determining the quality of portrait (Kleiner, 2007).
Subject matter of both artworks
Mummy portraits have been fundamental in determining the progress of the fashion industry such that modern day mummy portraits are not attached to the casket but rather are made earlier before death. After the individual has passed away, the portrait is maintained in the house previously occupied by the deceased. Although, ancestral worship has ceased in Egypt, the dead are kept alive through incorporation of their portraits in the houses as a way of ensuring their presence is maintained (Montverdi, 1967).
Images of the Colosseum Head of Roman Patrician are presently used in jewelry such as belt buckles and earrings to increase the world’s knowledge regarding the artwork. Even though most people are rarely able to relate the pictures on their antique items as that of the Colosseum Head of Roman Patrician, curiosity of individuals towards discovering the history has enhanced the spread of the artwork (Whitley, 2001).
Function and possible meaning of the artworks is seen in the use of exact features of the dead was symbolic of the importance of close family ties and the ability of the family members to include their dead as part of their daily lives. The same case applies for the mummy portraits which provided for consistent memories of the deceased. The other meaning of the portraits was aimed at ensuring that younger generations were able to trace their origin (Berman, 2003).
Similarities and differences between the two artworks
The two artworks were used as memoirs for the deceased and in both situations the artworks were stored in the house of close relatives. Consequently, both works were aimed at bringing out the natural personality of the dead such that a close resemblance between the portrait and the real face was established. Both artworks were paintings such that a painter engaged his paint and canvas in achieving the portrait. The differences include stages though which the portrait was used during the burial. The mummy portrait was produced in two copies such that the dead were buried with one copy while the other was kept by close relatives. For the Colosseum Head of Roman Patrician portrait, it was not attached to the casket but was placed away from the dead body (Kleiner, 2007). The comparisons are good as they bring out the original usage of portraits as well as artistic styles used in the past.
Conclusion
Artwork has been a fundamental aspect of Roman and Greek artistic styles which has touched on various issues of social, political and religious values of the people. The artworks which was used in the compare and contrast essay were made by Roman artists and they have incorporated various stylistic characteristics in their work. This has led to development of quite a variety of similarities between the two attributed to the fact that the artists are the same.
References
Berman, L., Freed, R. E., and Doxey, D. Arts of Ancient Egypt. (2003) Boston: Museum of Fine Arts.
Kleiner, F. S. A History of Roman Art. Thompson Wadsworth, 2007. Belmont
Montverdi, M. The Book of Art. Volume 1: The Origins of Western Art. (1967 Grolier. Milan, Italy
Whitley, J.. The Archaeology of Ancient Greece. (2001) Cambridge University Press.
Is this your assignment or some part of it?
We can do it for you! Click to Order!
