Art > Sunken Relief

This sunken relief is from the ancient Egypt and was composed during the Amarna period.King Akhenaten is seen here with his wife, Nefertiti. As we look at most of this period's artwork, the central is the sun disc of Aten, shining down -sunrays indicated by lines, with the ankh symbol of life at the end- at the Royal Family as they worshipping him, the only god.

Contrary to wearing the attributes of the Egyptian Pharaoh -bowling pin-shaped crown, lotus-, there are noticeable difference from the very rigid, geometric Egyptian style previously used for Dynasties. The soft, flowing, curving contours , rounded shapes are significantly differ from the former style of representing royalties in Egyptian history.

Akhenaten abandons the canon of proportions to a new style with sensuous forms, fluid contours, sense of movement. Instead of portraying the king an idealized, physically dominating man, he is depicted with a strange-shaped head, narrow shoulders, small back, lower body emphasized with large thighs, buttocks and drooping belly; the arms, legs are thin, and lack of musculature. Even though the king's figure is very feminine, it is differs from the female figure. The female dress is transparent, the body visible underneath. The King's body is not visible under the clothes.

Usually Egyptian art focuses on the afterlife of individuals, prominently the Pharaohs. Unlike the Amarna Period, where everyday life's moments were immortalized by these relieves. Composition of daily activities, such as worshipping the gods, is very unique, in comparison to traditional Egyptian scenes. The revolutionary changes made the field of art corresponding with the introduction of monotheistic religion. Akhenaten moved the capital from Thebes to Tell el-Amarna-known as Akhetaton.

 

 

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