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Essay / A Comparative Study of Achilles and the Egyptian Kings
In the works “Hunefer's Book of the Dead” and “Achilles and Ajax Playing Dice,” both artists display the cultural norms of their respective cultures through aspects religious, spiritual. , and the mythological representations of characters in their societies. For Osiris, the artist of "Hunefer's Book of the Dead," an illustration of common ancient Egyptian funeral rituals depicts what happens after a person dies. This work takes the viewer through the prism of the ancient Egyptian citizen making offerings to the deceased king. This work was used as an educational guide on how to access a positive side of the afterlife. When the spirit of the deceased passed through the temple given to him, he saw this inscription on the wall and understood how to get to the next life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The artists in both works attempt to convey a message to their viewers, even though the time period in which they worked differs. For “Hunefer’s Book of the Dead,” the message is instructive. For the viewer of Achilles and Ajax playing dice, the message is to tell the myth of the characters depicted in the work. Each work has a specific purpose, and although it may seem obvious, the viewer must work to understand the meaning of the work. As seen in "Hunefer's Book of the Dead," the details of the work can complicate what the viewer takes away from it after viewing it. The work has detailed steps that could easily be confused. In “Achilles and Ajax Playing Dice,” one might assume that the two men are friends, while others might say that they are enemies. The nature of the game can be interpreted; some might say it is one game, and others another. In addition to the message, the composition of a piece can bring it great success, or dismal failure. There is no distinct equation on how to create a successful piece of art, but there are certainly aspects that could possibly improve it. Of the many variables that come into play in making a successful painting/sculpture, such as line, color, space and scale, line plays the most important role in both of these works, affecting not only the path on which the viewer looks, but also the complete overview of the works. In "Hunefer's Book of the Dead", the line guides the viewer along the educational path to the afterlife. The painting moves horizontally, giving it fluidity and grace. The way the viewer's eye moves can make or break the overall feelings towards the piece. If this work were to be scattered across, say, an uneven oval, the piece would not work. Because the subjects of the painting have a similar structure, posture, and purpose, the work flows together, making it easier to visualize. In Exekias' work, the line and also plays an important role. The spears that rest on the shoulders of Achilles and Ajax and positioned in a mansion that makes the subject of the play clear. The table on which they play dice is flanked by spears and is also trapped by the intense gazes of Achilles and Ajax. Although there is no obvious line to the eyes of Achilles and Ajax, they actually form an indirect line, leading the viewer to look where the characters are looking. Again, there is no absolute equation for success in art, but color, along with several other aspects, in both pieces, is another element that affects the overall vision of the work by the viewer. Color gives light to the imagination. There.