Author Question: Discuss the use and significance of proportion and scale in Benin sculpture. What will be an ... (Read 95 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?

Approximately 25% of all reported medication errors result from some kind of name confusion.

Did you know?

There are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people in the world.

Did you know?

Approximately 500,000 babies are born each year in the United States to teenage mothers.

Did you know?

The top 10 most important tips that will help you grow old gracefully include (1) quit smoking, (2) keep your weight down, (3) take supplements, (4) skip a meal each day or fast 1 day per week, (5) get a pet, (6) get medical help for chronic pain, (7) walk regularly, (8) reduce arguments, (9) put live plants in your living space, and (10) do some weight training.

Did you know?

More than 50% of American adults have oral herpes, which is commonly known as "cold sores" or "fever blisters." The herpes virus can be active on the skin surface without showing any signs or causing any symptoms.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library