Look at the wall paintings from the Tomb of Nebamum (New Kingdom, Egypt). [The first painting is illustrated in your text as 3-35] The painting represents a scene of hunting in the papyrus swamps. The second image is a painting of a garden with a pool. Imagine yourself back in ancient Egypt taking photographs of these scenes. How do these paintings differ from your imaginary photographs? Consider the following ideas:
the way the human being is represented, especially poses
the relative sizes of objects and people
the points of view from which objects are represented - how is the three-dimensional world translated to the flat surface?
Write an essay considering how these features appear different in these tomb paintings from the way they would appear in photographs. Do any of the conventions used by the Egyptian artists help you to interpret the scene? Do the paintings give you any information that a photograph would not?
Make sure you concentrate on the tomb paintings in your essay. Use specific examples from the works of art to back up your points. Your descriptions should be of the paintings - not the imaginary photographs!
You should have 1 1/2 to 2 pages typed (double spaced) or 3 to 4 pages handwritten neatly (typing much preferred!). I am more interested in your coverage of the points of the essay than in how long your essay is. Be sure you cover all the suggested points. If you are having trouble making your essay long enough consider whether you have given examples from the works of art to back up your points. It goes without saying that the essay should be written in full sentences with correct grammar.
PLEASE NOTE:You will receive 5 points for having your essay IN CLASS on the date due. You will then have a chance to rewrite your essay based on discussions during the activity that day. Your essay will then be graded on a scale of 25 points. If you do not have your essay in class for the activity on the due date you will not receive the 5 points even if you turn it in as your late essay. So please try to write your first essay on time, with the assurance that you will have extra time to work on it if necessary.