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)*