Ancient Egyptian Immortality: Comparing Iconic Artworks of Scribes and Royalty

Abstract

Compare and Contrast Essay The seated scribe and the king Menkaure and the Queen Introduction Authors use many ways to deliver their message as intended to their target audience. Painting proves among the most persuasive mode of communication that ancient and current artists use in their works. Images prove compelling because they are catchy and thus take the audience's attention at a glimpse. Paying close attention to the Seated scribes and king Menkaure and the queen paintings, one can argue that their artists aimed at providing the audience with a better understanding of relevant figures in Ancient Egypt. The images also signify the importance of preserving history for the incoming generations to learn from them. It is imperative to acknowledge these ancient artists' skills as expressed through these paintings noting the low level of technology during that era. Therefore, this essay will offer a thorough analysis of the two images, "King Menkaure and the queen and the Seated Scribe," to understand their origin better, meaning, similarities, and differences. The two paintings are rich in Ancient Egypt's history of immortality relating to ordinary citizens and high-profile characters. In Ancient Egypt, one can argue that the afterlife served as the central theme of their artistic works. The seated scribes, king Menkaure, and queen statues signify immortality belief that the Ancient Egyptians treasured. However, it is imperative to note that not many Egyptians could become immortalized. On the contrary, only the prominent figures in Egyptian society would remain associated with this privilege. The seated scribe and king Menkaure and the Queen's paintings comply with the demands of immortality as both signified power within the Ancient Egypt governance. The seated scribe, made in 2500 BCE, reflected a skilled worker crafted out of limestone, representing a scribe for the government. On the other hand, king Menkaure and the Queen was made in 2470 BCE, portraying two royal figures within the ancient Egyptian governance. The two paintings were intended to be immortalized by these pieces, signifying the skills these ancient artists employed while crafting them and their ability to select durable materials that would reflect the immortal belief for generations. In defining the high profile reflected by figures immortalized through these art pieces, it is essential to note that scribes in Ancient Egypt enjoyed a high social status due to the intelligence and intensity associated with their occupation. Similarly, history defines the weight, power, and respect that came along with holding a king or queen post in Ancient Egypt governance. King Menkaure and the queen painting portrays two royal beings whose value among Egyptians remains defined as giving a great reflection of what a rich belief the ancient Egyptian held while defining their rulers' worth. One can conclude that the two paintings share various similarities attributed to their proximity in time. However, as analyzed below, these paintings express many physical and hidden differences. Made in 2500 BCE (4th Dynasty), the seated scribe portrays a seated man dressed in a white kilt stretched to the knees (Patel, Arun Singh, and Harminder Dua, 1-2). Physically, the image reflects a well-focused worker whose urge to remain alert to the masters’ instructions remains well defined. According to Molitor (2), Auguste Mariette discovered the scribes’ statue around Necropolis (near a tomb made for an official named Kai) at Saqqara in 1850. Though the scribe represents a high-rank government worker, it is evident that its purpose was continuity of the scribes' services in the afterlife for the central Ancient Egypt rulers, “Pharaohs.” Many pharaohs and high-ranking officials had their servants depicted in paintings, sculptures, or statues to ensure that their skills and services remained available in their second life. It is a funny notion expressing the extent of faith that these ancient Egyptians held for the afterlife. The painting's dimensions are 53.7cme by 44 cm by 35 cm, and its height is roughly 21 inches (Patel, Arun Singh, and Harminder Dua, 1-2). The piece is painted limestone, copper, and quartz with wooden nipples and crystal eyes that bring a sign of life (Molitor, 1-4). It represents a notable government official during that era. One can confirm that the scribe is not a king or a queen as it does not express any pharaoh status. However, the image defines the status of this man's occupation, defining the need for an immortal statue made to his liking making the painting unique compared to Menkaure and the queen statue. Its color is outstanding, noting the period when it was made to date, over 4000 years ago. The scribes' artists are knowledgeable and considerate of normal human features as they employed simple colors that signify life to the statue. The scribe has black hair, white for the kilt and papyrus, and red ochre for the...