The aesthetic dimensions of metalwork in ancient Egyptian art

Abstract

Abstract:

This research is concerned with studying (the aesthetic dimensions of metal works in ancient Egyptian art), which is divided into four chapters: The first chapter includes a presentation of the research problem, which is defined by the following question: What are the aesthetic dimensions of metal works in ancient Egyptian art? The importance of the research and the need for it came in terms of a serious attempt to know metal artifacts and the extent of their influence on ancient Egyptian art. Understanding and learning about metal artifacts and developing a new horizon for reading them due to their great importance. The aim of the study is to (learn about the aesthetic dimensions of metal works in ancient Egyptian art), and the research is limited to studying metal works in the Pharaonic era. 32 BC-332 BC. As for the second chapter: it included the theoretical framework and previous studies, which contained two research papers: the first chapter was concerned with studying ancient Egyptian art, and the second chapter dealt with metal artifacts between the aesthetic and the functional. The theoretical framework concluded with a set of indicators and previous studies. As for the third chapter: it dealt with the research procedures, which included defining the framework of the research community, which amounted to (70) metal works and selecting the research sample, which amounted to (7) works from various metal works, then the research tool, statistical methods, and sample analysis. The fourth chapter included the research results, conclusions, recommendations, and proposals. The most important findings of the study are the following:

1.   The artifacts featured floral, animal, linear, and human motifs, sometimes mixed into a single artwork. Precious stones, which had spiritual, expressive, and decorative connotations, were also added to the artifacts, along with an industrial aspect.

2.   The ancient Egyptians used most metal artifacts for decorative purposes, focusing on jewelry, accessories, and crowns, as in Samples 1 and 2.

3.   All the samples included symbols of the god, representing an aesthetic dimension and an imaginary and mythological symbol of its significance to ancient Egyptian society, as they immortalized myths and imagination in their metal artifacts.

4.   The metal materials in all artifacts had color connotations linked to the symbols, as gold represents the color yellow and symbolizes the sun god.

The fourth chapter also included a set of recommendations and proposals, and the study concluded with a list of sources and references, then appendices and