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![]() Although within the norms of Egyptian representation, southern Theban art at the very beginning of the Middle Kingdom displays distinct local traits, including figures with attenuated limbs and emphasized eyes, and forms with a high degree of interior patterning ( 14.2.7). While Middle Kingdom culture represents a significant transformation of Old Kingdom society, the period itself underwent three distinct transitions, the first occurring between the end of Dynasty 11 and the beginning of Dynasty 12. Perhaps this is at least part of the reason the Middle Kingdom was viewed in subsequent eras as an ideal epoch. At the same time, the memory of upheaval may have proved inspiring to the ancient Egyptians, as it showed them that they could recover from periods of disorder. In some sense, ancient Egyptian culture never seemed to completely recover from this cataclysm in fact, according to the surviving Middle Kingdom texts, there was a more pronounced fear of chaotic forces and an emphasis on unity within the country. Political power coalesced around two centers, Herakleopolis in the north and Thebes in the south, with the southern rulers eventually defeating the Herakleopolitans ( 57.95). The collapse was perhaps the result of poor harvests caused by low Nile floods, although the reasons have been debated. The most accomplished artworks of the era project an arresting individuality and an overall impression of serenity and poise ( 52.19).Īt the end of the Old Kingdom, centralized political control disintegrated and local rulers came to the fore, ushering in an era we call the First Intermediate Period. This is exemplified by the pyramids, soaring monuments of solid stone that attest to the sophisticated organizational skills of the era sculptures that portray youthful, self-assured individuals and reliefs and paintings depicting abundant landscapes. ![]() ![]() The preceding Old Kingdom appears to have been an age of supreme confidence-at least through the scrim of five thousand years. The lack of attention to Middle Kingdom monuments is unfortunate, as this was a period of beautiful artworks rendered with great skill and sensitivity ( 14.3.17). Many Middle Kingdom pyramids were constructed with mud-brick cores that eroded after their limestone casing was removed by ancient stone robbers. Because Egyptian temples dedicated to deities were often replaced by succeeding kings, almost no Middle Kingdom temples remain standing. ![]() Many Middle Kingdom monuments are poorly preserved, which contributes to the era’s relative lack of modern prominence. These transformations are attested to in architecture, sculpture, painting, relief decoration, stelae, jewelry, personal possessions, and literature. During this era, the cultural principles set out at the beginning of Egyptian civilization and codified during the Old Kingdom were reimagined, including the ideology of kingship, the organization of society, religious practices, afterlife beliefs, and relations with neighboring peoples. Tiny timeline: ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in a global context, 2nd–1st millennia B.C.E.The Middle Kingdom designates a period of ancient Egyptian civilization stretching from approximately 2030 to 1650 B.C.Tiny timeline: ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in a global context, 5th–3rd millennia B.C.E.Elena FitzPatrick Sifford on casta paintingsīIPOC Reader: Teaching Practices and Strategies with…įrancisco Oller and the Puerto Rican landscape… Reframing Art History, a new kind of textbook.Not your grandfather’s art history: a BIPOC Reader.With 503 contributors from 201 colleges, universities, museums, and researchĬenters, Smarthistory is the most-visited art history resource in the world. We believe that the brilliant histories of art belong to everyone, no matter their background. At Smarthistory, the Center for Public Art History, we believe art has the power to transform lives and to build understanding across cultures.
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