Art Analysis of Power

 

The Analysis of Power

    When I think of inspirations of power, I think back to my middle school years when we learned about the Egyptian culture. It is overwhelming at times to comprehend the events that took place over five thousand years ago, created in exactly 2500 BCE, what they were able to create in art while not even having running water or cell phones at the time. After doing some research to catch up my memory of the events that took place during their times as well as the art that was created, hieroglyphs, sculptures, as well as paintings were the most influential. I was intrigued to know what the most powerful works of art were from this time period and it included the Great Sphinx of Giza which is still looked to for inspiration today. 

   There is no real way of creating my own works of art that would be the same size or capacity of the Great Sphinx, but it does inspire me as its work has lasted so long through history for everyone to see which I find powerful. Key elements that I have taken away is the form, shape, and texture that contribute to its monumental and symbolic presence. The elements seem to work together to give the Sphinx a powerful and mysterious aura making it such a iconic Egyptian art. 

    The Sphinx is a three dimensional sculpture is carved directly from limestone. Limestone can be seen today in architectural done walkways, construction cites, and different manufacturing. The original surface when the Sphinx was created was most likely smooth but with erosion over thousands of years has left it very weathers. The Sphinx is massive measuring in at 66 feet tall and 240 feet long with a vast amount  of space surrounding it. The emotions from something that large in scale and the work that had to go into the creation was years and years of every hard working helpers blood, sweat, and tears that artists today think they get a touch of but does not compare. The artist is unknown to this day which makes me wonder how they would feel to not be recognized for something people travel long distances to see.  I personally relate to the symbolism of wisdom and endurance. While it has been many centuries and erosion has taken place, it remains to be a powerful icon much like it has strengthen individuals overtime. I think where it is located is right where it needs to be, I could not imagine it anywhere else, but works of art to this magnitude are always great to see and be apart of so owning a copy of it would be great, it will just need to be shrunken down to fit on my wall. 

    The Great Sphinx is Giza is more then just a sculpture to me. It is a great symbol of strength, wisdom, and resilience. The massive form and commanding presence make it such an extraordinary work of art as well as architecture. The power that something that seems so old to us if looking at a time frame makes you question how it is still relevant today, but the power is what really speaks for itself that it will forever be a strong symbol of whatever the viewer might also be needing to see in that time in themselves. 

        

    

    

Work Cited

 Art appreciation: Power-comparisons and connections (no date) Smarthistory. Available at: https://smarthistory.org/power-comparisons-and-connections/ (Accessed: 03 February 2025).

The Great Sphinx (no date) Discover Egypt’s Monuments - Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Available at: https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en/monuments/the-great-sphinx/ (Accessed: 03 February 2025).

YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGNctMdQuNI (Accessed: 03 February 2025).