Art of the Ancient Near East: From the Sacred to the Profane

This class will survey Ancient Near Eastern art and will be an overview of the art and culture from The Levant, Mesopotamia, Assyria, and Sumer. The artifacts include figurines, pottery, jewelry and other decorative objects that represent wealth, power, and social status of the people. As this area of the Fertile Crescent grew in population and status, so did the art they created. Much of what we consider art today was inscribed in steles upon the walls of temples, tombs, and palaces. Artisans and craftsmen depicted scenes of battle and images of Gods and kings to pay tribute to those they honored. Great statues of animal-like guardians adorned and made up a significant part of the entry gates for many palaces throughout the region. These statues were considered protective beings and made a monumental impression on the King’s visitors. Early forms of writing also come from this time period. Cuneiform is found on steeles and tablets communicating laws and business conduct of this region. The architecture of temples, tombs, and palaces was itself an expressive form of art. Much of what is found today are remnants of these structures and the possessions of those buried in the tombs.

More details