Timeline: Ancient Egyptian Art 1

Period: 5000 BCE to 3100 BCE

Pre-Dynastic Period

Characteristics:
Style: Abstract, geometric; early symbolic representation
Themes: Fertility, ritual, power, nature, early mythology
Subject Matter: Animals, hunting scenes, boats, deities, early kings
Techniques: Pottery decoration, stone carving, ivory figurines, palette carving
Cultural Context: Society was transitioning from tribal groups to centralized proto states and Art began to serve ritualistic and political purposes. Prepares foundation for Pharaoh ideology and divine kingship.

3500 BCE

Naqada Pottery

Artist: Various artisans Medium: Red and black burnished ceramics Significance: Features stylized animals and boats; symbolic of spiritual beliefs

3100 BCE

Palette of Narmer

Artist: Unknown Medium: Carved siltstone Significance: Symbolizes the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt; early narrative relief

Period: 2686 BCE to 2181 BCE

Old Kingdom Period

Characteristics:
Style: Rigid, formal, idealized figures; strict canon of proportions
Themes: Divine kingship, afterlife, immortality, order (Ma’at)
Subject Matter: Pharaohs, gods, tomb offerings, daily life scenes
Techniques: Monumental stone sculpture, relief carving, frescoes, pyramid construction
Cultural Context: Pharaoh viewed as living god, central to religion and state. Art functioned to ensure eternal life and cosmic order. Wealth and political stability enabled artistic innovation.

2520 BCE

Statue of Khafre Enthroned

Artist: Unknown Medium: Diorite Significance: Idealized image of Pharaoh as god-like figure

2500 BCE

Seated Scribe

Artist: Unknown Medium: Painted limestone Significance: More naturalistic representation; non-royal individual

Period: 2055 BCE to 1650 BCE

Middle Kingdom Period

Style: More expressive, individualized; mix of idealism and realism
Themes: Human emotion, mortality, social realism, introspection
Subject Matter: Rulers, nobility, funerary rituals, gods, literature
Techniques: Rock-cut tombs, portrait sculpture, detailed jewelry, bronze tools
Cultural Context: Rise of literature, philosophy, and personal piety. Pharaoh seen more as a shepherd of the people, less divine. Strengthening of middle class and provincial governors and art reflects internal tension.