image rationalism in Sumerian art

Abstract

Abstract:

This research consists of four chapters. The first includes a presentation of the problem being investigated by the researcher, summarized by the following question: What are the characteristics of image rationality in Sumerian art?

The research also addresses the importance and need for this research, and its objective: to uncover the characteristics of image rationality in Sumerian art. The research's boundaries are then followed by a linguistic and technical definition of the terms. The second chapter includes two sections: the first: The concept of rationality of the artistic image, and the second: Fine arts in the ancient Iraqi Sumerian civilization. The researcher then presents indicators derived from the two sections of his theoretical framework. The third chapter consists of the research community, the research sample, which comprised five examples of fine art productions in the Sumerian civilization, the sample analysis tool, the researcher's methodology, and an analysis of the research sample. The fourth chapter contains the research's findings, the most important of which are:

1-The various Sumerian artistic productions contain aspects of the natural biological environment, including plants, animals, and humans, distributed according to a rational existential hierarchy. They are depicted in abstract ways, yet they provide the artistic image with a rational foundation for its recipient.

2- Humans are depicted in Sumerian art with correct anatomical characteristics and in various positions, emphasizing the image's rationality. Eyes are depicted larger than their natural size to indicate the Sumerian artist's spiritual orientation. Conclusions include:

1-  The Sumerian artist works to reconcile two worlds: the tangible real and the intuitional supernatural. Both are considered realistic, contributing to the enhancement of the rationality of the artistic image.

2- The Sumerian artist produces his artistic works with an obsession with religious faith and mythological thought, and his artistic creativity is considered a religious and devotional duty, not an individual achievement.

Then, recommendations and proposals, and an index of research sources.