Expressions Art Studio

ART HISTORY – LESSON TWO - Ancient Near East
Ancient Near Eastern Art was made and circulated in the geographical area known as Mesopotamia. This area spanned across the lands of Sumer, Babylon, Assyria, and, Persia - to name a few; this would roughly encompass the modern-day countries of Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. The art of the Ancient Near East tends to focus on the relationship between the human and the divine. Much of it is religious in nature, designed for use in religious rituals or to honor the gods. Ancient Near Eastern art is also political. Rulers used it to proclaim their power and prestige.

INLAY (to set into a surface)
“Standard of UR – War and Peace” Found in Sumeria (now Iraq). 2700 BC
This is an inlay panel on a small box. Shells, lapis lazuli, red limestone were used. This gives the impression of motion, similar to a cartoon strip. Chariots, each pulled by four donkeys, trample enemies; infantry with cloaks carry spears; enemy soldiers are killed with axes, others are paraded and presented to the king who holds a spear.

STELE (ancient monument using a vertical stone)
“Stele of Hammurabi” - Found in Babylon (now Iraq). 1760 BC
King Hammurabi is receiving the inspiration for the laws from the flame-shouldered sun god, Shamash.

RELIEF (sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background of the same material)
“King Ashurbanipal Hunting Lions” Found in Assyria (now Iraq and Turkey). 645-640 BC
This is to show power, strength, and courage. The figures are now becoming more realistic.

QUIZ:

1 – A sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid back ground of the same material, is:
a) Inlay
b) Relief
c) Stele
2 - A stele monument uses:
a) Concrete blocks
b) A vertical stone
c) Trees
3 – Inlay materials can include:
a) shells
b) lapis lazuli
c) red limestone
d) all of the above
4 - Some of the countries of ancient Mesopotamia include:
a) Antartica, Brazil, and Nigeria
b) Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria
c) Romania, Norway, and Japan
5 – Ancient Near Eastern Art was considered to be:
a) Decorative and colorful
b) Religious and political

Click photos for details.