- Egypt’s Old Kingdom was one of the most dynamic periods in the development of Egyptian art.
- Much of their artistic effort was centered on preserving life after death, Egyptians also surrounded themselves with beautiful objects, producing elegant jewelry, finely carved and inlaid furniture, and cosmetic vessels.
The last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world are the great pyramids of Giza. There are three pyramids for three seperate rules. The greatest rule of the three was Khufu who had the biggest pyramind. Khufus pyramid rises 146 meters and has a base length of more than 230 meters per side. Khafre was the second great king who had the middel pyramid. Along with a pyramid, Khafre had the Great Sphyinx. Menkaure has the smallest pyramid. Although small, Menkaure’s pyramid chambers are more complex than those of Khafre and include a chamber carved with decorative panels. Although all three pyramids are different in size all have the same shape which was a solar reference.
King Menkaure and Queen
The two figures stand side-by-side on a simple, squared base and are supported by a shared back pillar. Both figures are facing frontal with very strict posture. Faces are forawrd, along with the eyes. Menkaures hands are in fists at his sides and their legs are positioned straight. This is the first art piece that we see an intamte relationship through. The Queen has both her arms wrapped around Menkaure in an embrace. Both figures have one foot infront of the other as if they were taking a step. This particular element goes along with the typical Egytian canon. havig one foot ahead of the other was a sign over being able to pass over to the afterlife as if you were stepping into it.