Author Question: Discuss the use and significance of proportion and scale in Benin sculpture. What will be an ... (Read 122 times)

sheilaspns

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 567
Discuss the use and significance of proportion and scale in Benin sculpture.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Compare and contrast the mosaics found in mosques with those in a Byzantine church, explaining the cultural and doctrinal reasons for the differences.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



KKcool

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 340
Answer to Question 1

Like the rulers of ancient Egypt, Benin kings are viewed as sacred beings, which is common in many African societies. Art is employed to dramatize and support this concept of a sacred kingship. Royal altars were dedicated to the king's hand, a symbol of physical prowess. Hands are depicted around its base where they alternate with rams' heads. The king is shown seated atop the altar flanked by attendants in a symmetrical composition, which expresses a social hierarchy. The king is at the center and is portrayed larger than the other figures, which employs scale as an indication of importance. Proportionally, the king takes up one-third of his total height. Representations of the king manifest themselves through the use of proportion.

Answer to Question 2

Where the mosaics in a Byzantine church might depict Jesus, Mary, and saints, the mosaics in a mosque do not portray any people, much less images of God. The Qur'an contains a stern warning against the worship of idols, and this led to a doctrine prohibiting images of animate beings in religious contexts. The creative result was decorative geometric patterns and stylized plant forms. Arabic script also became an important element of decoration.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

People with high total cholesterol have about two times the risk for heart disease as people with ideal levels.

Did you know?

The first-known contraceptive was crocodile dung, used in Egypt in 2000 BC. Condoms were also reportedly used, made of animal bladders or intestines.

Did you know?

Oliver Wendell Holmes is credited with introducing the words "anesthesia" and "anesthetic" into the English language in 1846.

Did you know?

Fewer than 10% of babies are born on their exact due dates, 50% are born within 1 week of the due date, and 90% are born within 2 weeks of the date.

Did you know?

All adults should have their cholesterol levels checked once every 5 years. During 2009–2010, 69.4% of Americans age 20 and older reported having their cholesterol checked within the last five years.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library