Question

Describe the relationship between the Ancient Egyptian concepts of the after-life and Egyptian art. Use artistic examples to support your discussion.

Answer 1

A subject that was often discussed in Egyptian art is that of death and the afterlife. This can be seen in much of Egyptian art, regardless of the period in which the pieces were created. Some of this art was considered to serve the purpose of protecting people from evil in the present and in the afterlife. Art of this kind was usually found in the form of sculptures, paintings, tomb paintings and carvings. A particularly important type of art was the one found in tombs. This art was dedicated to the gods, and it was meant to serve as guidance for the deceased person. Some of the art that exhibits these characteristics are the Mummy coffin of Djedmontefanch or the Mummy Portrait of a Bearded Man.