Key Learning Terms

After successful completion of this module you will be able to:

Identify the major visual characteristics of Early Dynastic, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom art including the Amarna phase of New Kingdom (formal, technical and expressive)
Interpret the possible meaning(s) of works of Early Dynastic, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom art including the Amarna phase of New Kingdom art based on examination and analysis of themes, subject matter and use of symbols.
Relate early Early Dynastic, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom art including the Amarna phase of New Kingdom art to cultural, economic, religious and political contexts.
Refine art historical methods of investigation such as observation and comparison.
Identify suitable visual and textual evidence drawn from various media to support an argument or an interpretation of Ancient Egyptian art.
Apply specialized art historical vocabulary and concepts to describe and analyze specific examples of Ancient Egyptian art.

While you are reviewing the contents of this module, consider the following questions:

How does the lifestyle of the artist and community affect the subject matter of the work of art?
How does the form of the work reflect attitudes prevalent in the culture?
How does the planning and construction of structures reveal significant cultural activities and priorities?
What does the chosen medium used for the work of art tell us about the world that these artists inhabited?

Vocabulary Terms

Key Terms: “The First Time”, Ma’at, Pharaoh, afterlife, Dynasties, pictographs, Palette, mastaba, sarcophagus, Early Dynastic, Old Kingdom, necropolis, stepped pyramid, tomb, pyramid, ben-ben, Ka, Funerary rites, Funerary temple, Ka statue, engaged column (attached column), colonnade, Valley Temple, Sphinx, Middle Kingdom, Rock cut tomb, Reserve column, Hyksos, New Kingdom, Mortuary temple, Pylon, Hypostyle hall, Clerestory, Bud Capital, Bell Capital, Book of the Dead

Key Place Names: Hierokonpolis, Lower Egypt, Upper Egypt, Saqqara, Giza, Beni Hasan, Dier-el Bahri, Abu Simbel, Karnak, Luxor, Amarna, Tel-el Amarna,

Key Figures: Narmer, Horus, Djoser (Zoser), Imhotep, Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chefren), Menkure (Mycerinus), Re, King Mentuhotep II, Sesostris III, Hatshepsut, Senmut, Ramsses, Osiris, Nefertari, Akhenaton, Aton, Nefertiti, Tutankhamun

Here are links to art history glossaries that will help you better understand the above key vocabulary terms.