2). Because painting is not very permanent it was used very little as a medium of representation; it appears to have been used primarily in accenting of sculpture. An unusual example of painting in Old Kingdom Egypt is the Meidum geese (Fig. 3). This rather uncommon painting was found in the mastaba tomb of Nefermaat and Atet . Another work found close-by is an incredible pair of painted limestone funerary statues. This couple, represented as equals, is the prince Rahotep and his wife Nofret. Constructed by a masterful craftsman, at around 2630 BC, this couple has come to single-handedly represent Fourth Dynasty painted statuary.
As mentioned before, early dynastic works adhere to very precise formulae, and these two royals are no exception. The prince is seated facing forward, with his knees and ankles touching. His right hand is clenched, and held over his heart. His gaze is straightforward and vacant. Lastly, as in most other contemporary works, his skin is represented as a deep redbrown. The figure epitomizes the Fourth Dynasty tendency to make forms heavier, thicker, and more durable. This is surely so to deter theft, vandalism, or to insure permanence. If it can be said, at all, that this statue is rather unado
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Egyptian Art and Architecture
... body upon its return. One of the most preserved sculptures is that of Rahotep and Nofret, from Medum. They are painted limestone ... (1545 6
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http:www.inform.umd.eduEdResFacResTeachTech.CaprinaImagespages017023.htm
http:homepage.powerup.com.auancientmuseum5.htm
Fig. 2 Seated Scribe, painted limestone, Fifth Dynasty, Louvre, Paris
e (fig. 2). Because painting is not very permanent it was used very little as a medium of representation; it appears to have been used primarily in accenting of sculpture. An unusual example of painting in Old Kingdom Egypt is the Meidum geese (Fig. 3). This rather uncommon painting was found in the mastaba tomb of Nefermaat and Atet . Another work found close-by is an incredible pair of painted limestone funerary statues. This couple, represented as equals, is the prince Rahotep and his wife Nofret. Constructed by a masterful craftsman, at around 2630 BC, this couple has come to single-handedly represent Fourth Dynasty painted statuary.
Fig. 4. Rahotep and Nofret, painted limestone, Fourth Dynasty, Egypt
Fig. 3. Meidum Geese, wall painting, Fourth Dynasty, Egypt
http:homepage.powerup.com.auancientmuseum3.htm
The conventions established in Old Kingdom statuary, whether for a royal, or even the commoner, influenced Egyptian art immeasurably. The strict poses and positions of the deceased would be used for 3 millennia following. If the statues presented are truly the eternal home of R
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