Imitating Egyptian Art: A Journey Through Time

This PowerPoint presentation will guide you through the process of imitating an Egyptian artwork using common household materials.

Slide 1: Title Slide

• Title: “Imitating Egyptian Art: A Journey Through Time”

• Your name

• Date

Slide 2: The Original Inspiration

• Image: A photograph of the “Bust of Nefertiti,” housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin, Germany.

• Caption: “The Bust of Nefertiti, c. 1345 BCE, Limestone painted with pigments.”

• Description:

  • The bust is a stunning example of Egyptian art. It depicts Nefertiti, the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten.

  • The bust’s beauty lies in its realistic features and the idealized depiction of the queen’s face.

  • Nefertiti’s head is tilted slightly to the side, creating a sense of gentle grace and elegance.

  • The bust’s craftsmanship is remarkable, with delicate details and intricate patterns.

• Source:

  • Neues Museum, Berlin: https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/neues-museum-berlin/exhibitions/highlights/nefertiti/

Slide 3: Materials & Tools

• Image: A photograph of the materials gathered:

  • A large, smooth white rock (could be a river stone, a piece of pumice, or a piece of plaster)

  • A variety of colored clays or play dough (black, brown, blue, yellow)

  • A plastic knife or small, sharp tool for sculpting

  • Water

  • Paintbrushes

  • Acrylic paint (optional, for finishing touches)

• Description: These readily available materials will be used to recreate the general form and details of Nefertiti’s bust. The clay and paint will be used to give the bust its characteristic features and colors.

Slide 4: Creating the Form

• Image 1: Photograph of the white rock, a starting point for the bust’s form.

• Image 2: A close-up of the rock being smoothed out with water and a plastic knife.

• Image 3: The rock, partially sculpted to resemble the general shape of Nefertiti’s head and neck.

• Description:

  • The first step is to prepare the white rock by gently smoothing out any rough edges and giving it a rounded form.

  • Next, I will carefully carve out the basic shape of Nefertiti’s head and neck.

  • This will be done by gradually removing material from the rock, taking care not to break it.

Slide 5: Adding Facial Features

• Image 1: A photograph of the black clay being shaped into the eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Image 2: The eyes, nose, and mouth being applied to the sculpted rock.

• Image 3: A photograph of the completed head, showing the clay facial features and the sculpted form.

• Description: Using black clay, I will carefully sculpt the eyes, nose, and mouth. These features will be shaped and then attached to the rock, ensuring they have a sense of realism.

Slide 6: The Finishing Touches

• Image 1: A photograph of the head being painted with yellow clay, simulating the iconic blue-and-gold headdress.

• Image 2: A photograph of the bust being painted with various colored clays, adding details and shading.

• Image 3: A photograph of the completed bust, showcasing the final clay detailing and colors.

• Description: To add the final touches, I will use clay in various colors to add details and shading. The iconic blue and gold headdress will be simulated with yellow clay, and the bust will be subtly shaded with brown and black clay to enhance the depth and realism.

Slide 7: The Artist’s Imagination

• Text: “The original artist, a skilled sculptor named Thutmose, must have carefully observed Nefertiti’s features, studying her proportions and subtle expressions. The bust’s beauty lies in its combination of realism and idealization. The artist captured her grace and power, showcasing her as a powerful woman in ancient Egypt. It seems clear that the artist wanted to create a lasting monument to Nefertiti’s beauty and strength, highlighting her role as a powerful figure in ancient Egyptian society.”

Conclusion:

This project provided a glimpse into the techniques used by Egyptian artists and allowed me to understand the artistry and symbolism embedded in their work. By imitating the “Bust of Nefertiti”, I gained a deeper appreciation for the skill and artistry of ancient Egyptian sculptors and the enduring power of their creations.