This week in class we looked at Menkaure and a Queen. Menkaure, heir of Khafre, ruled in the fourth dynasty. The Egyptian people were obsessed with the thought of death and the afterlife. In fact, the working class was thought to continue their work even after death, meaning that they would never get to rest. In Egypt at this time, the deceased were buried with their possessions. This is why a statue from 2472 B.C.E. is still standing. Like other Egyptian artifacts, Menkaure and a Queen was kept in a place that was safe from weather and extreme temperatures. The figures are also wearing the traditional clothes of the time. The king would be wearing a kilt, beard, and headdress, and the Queen would wear a sheer form-fitting dress that shows off her curves.
This piece stood out to me because of how striking it is. The portrait of the two come off as poised, strong, and calm. The book also mentions that dignity and permanence are features of the piece, and I agree. However, the dignity and permanence of the portrait is not a coincidence. Menkaure and a Queen were specifically carved to look this way. Balance, proportion, and rhythm are themes in Egyptian art that Menkaure and a Queen incorporate. The same height of both people creates balance, and the repeated lines and parallels of the lines of their bodies create rhythm. Also, the fact that they are taking a step allows for movement in the piece. It appears that the figures are actually walking when in reality they are standing still. There is so much to this statue that attracts me to it, and I enjoyed learning about it.
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