Mesopotamian Art Mesopotamian art Historical Background Mesopotamia Civilization
Mesopotamian Art
Mesopotamian art* Historical Background* Mesopotamia Civilization / 9000 - 500 B. C* Mesopotamia means “land between the rivers” in Greek language. (Tigris & Euphrates rivers)* Inventions during this time period: * ØWritten language: cuneiform script* Øthe oldest recorded stories in the world: Gilgamesh* Øthe first written set of laws: Hammurabi's Code of Laws* Øthe concept of money* Øseals and stamps; were used to mark personal property. *
Mesopotamian art Characteristics* Ø Mesopotamian art and architecture were produced by the diverse peoples who occupied the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers from about 3500 to 539 BC. * Ø God and rulers become central to the creation of art. *
Ø Depiction of figures* üThe most important people were made the tallest. In the same vein, a beard on a figure signified a man in a powerful position. *
Sculptures (Cylindrical, Low relief )* • Cylindrical Sculptures are typically based on cones and cylinders Faces are dominated by very large eyes* • Stone slabs carved with low reliefs were displayed on the walls in the votive part of the shrine. *
Architectures* Ziggurats* Ø Ziggurats are huge "stepped" structures, a form of pyramidal towers. * Ø Ziggurats are temple towers. * Audience Hall* Ø Alexander the Great and his troops accidentally torched during a wild banquet in celebration of their victory over the Persians. *
Artifacts • Metal works (Bronze, iron, gold)* • Glass works (vase)*
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