Beginnings of Western Art Sumerians Babylonians Mesopotamians Assyrians

Beginnings of Western Art Sumerians, Babylonians, Mesopotamians, Assyrians

Western art:

Venus of Willendorf

Notes on Venus of Willendorf • 25, 000 B. C • Limestone carving • Said to be a symbol of fertility and plentiful food (2 key ideas for early nomadic people) • First image of beauty in art

Cave Paintings

Notes on Cave Paintings • Was discovered in 1940 by 4 teenagers in Southwestern France • Some paintings are almost 16 feet • The most famous section of the cave is called the Hall of Bulls • Animals were painted with moss, human hair, ground pigment, dirt, etc. • Paintings depicted daily life – Images of animals and hunts

Stonehenge Secrets of Stonehenge

Notes on Stonehenge • Post and lintel construction • Possibly 2000 B. C. • Thought to be used for predicting solstices and equinoxes for planting and harvesting OR a possible burial ground • Moved almost 50 tons at least 20 miles

Ziggurat at Ur

Notes on Ziggurat at Ur • Non-moving place of worship • Temples were placed higher than any other buildings to separate human and divine • Used mud bricks because it was readily available which caused deterioration over time- most did not survive

Stele of Hammurabi Eye for an Eye. . .

Notes on Stele of Hammurabi • First laws were written on a slab of stele called ‘Code of Hammurabi’ • If a man stole, he would be put to death • If a farmer didn’t work, he would have to pay his rent. However if a farmer worked and couldn’t produce goods, he did not have to pay rent. • On harming others: • Nobleman harmed nobleman-Eye for Eye • Nobleman harmed Poor man- Pay • Poor man harmed Nobleman- Pay • Poor man harmed Poor man- Eye for Eye

Ishtar Gate Commentary

Notes on Ishtar Gate • Glazed brick, relief sculpture • Gate surrounding the entrance to babylonia

What were these early artists thinking? � Documentation � Rituals � Artistic Expression

Significance? � How has art changed? � Do we still use artwork for rituals and religion? How? � In a society that is so technologically advanced, what use do we have for some of this seemingly simplistic art?