Difference Between Egyptian Art and Greek Art

Egyptian Art and Greek Art

Egyptian and Greek civilizations have a long and glorious history and have contributed in various fields like art and architecture. Though there are several similarities between Greek and Egyptian art, they have many concrete differences between them.

When talking about Greek and Egyptian art, it is the sculpture and architecture that comes to everyone’s mind.

Egyptian art was more oriented towards religion. On the contrary, Greek art was much more oriented towards philosophy. Unlike Egyptian art, Greek art examined the world as it was and explored the various concepts of life.

Let us look at the differences between the Greek and the Egyptian sculptures and architecture that gives a clear picture of the differences between the two art forms.

The Egyptian statues followed very strict laws. The figures were very large with large heads and plump faces with no expression. There was no trace of emotion in the faces. The emphasis of Egyptian art was more on the symmetry.

The Greek statues had some reality in them. They were quite natural unlike the Egyptian statues. The Greek statues explored human anatomy like the various organs, expressions, and muscles. Emotions and expressions were written on the face of the Greek statues. The Greek statues were not based on any symmetry.

While nudity was used only in statues of children and servants in Egyptian art, male nudity and female nudity was in vogue in Greek art. The young males are depicted naked without any garments. The Greek sculptures show some action or movement whereas the Egyptian statues are just fixed ones.

In Egyptian architecture, more ornamental stones were used. Less durable marble and limestone is used in Greek architecture. When talking of pottery, the Greek pottery had paintings on them that differentiated it from all others.

Summary:

1.Egyptian art was more oriented towards religion. On the contrary, the Greek art was much more oriented towards philosophy.
2.Unlike Egyptian art, Greek art examined the world as it was and explored the various concepts of life.
3.The emphasis of Egyptian statues was more on the symmetry. The Greek statues were not based on any symmetry.
4.The Egyptian statues followed very strict laws. The figures were very large with large heads and plump faces with no expression. The Greek statues had some reality in them. Emotions and expressions were written on the faces of the Greek statues.

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