Egyptian and Minoan Frescoes

Essay # 57513

Art > History
Art > Painting

A exploration of the artistic and stylistic nature of both Egyptian and Minoan Fresco painting.

2,003 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2005 Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the exchange of artisitic ideas between Ancient Egypt and the Mediteranean is undisputed and how a comparison of fresco is also relevant and illuminating. It briefly examines two Egyptian Fresco's from the New Kingdom period, namely "Fowling Scene" and "Musicians and Dancers", comparing and contrasting the Egyptian styles with three Minoan frescoes including the so-called "Toreador Fresco", as well as "Young Fisherman with His Catch" and "Landscape with Swallows".

From the Paper:

"The vivid artistic detailing of Fowling Scene, in addition to the motion and vitally portrayed by the artist(s), is astonishing. The boat on which the family travel is richly detailed, even the wood grain is observable. Papyrus plants grow in a great swath, surging out of the water to the left of the boat. Below the boat, in the water, the details of the fish "show a naturalism based on careful observation" (67). In his right hand, Nebamun clutches three birds he has just caught, while his left hand grips his throwing stick. A large number of birds have been startled into action out of the papyrus swamp, and are shown both perching in various places, as well as in flight. Most curiously, an orange cat, perched on a bowing papyrus stem, has caught a large bird in its mouth and two more in its claws."