Wedline Joseph
Art 100
Professor Nozomi Kato
May 16 , 2014
A Visit
to the Brooklyn Museum of Art
My visit on Wednesday 14, 2014 to
the Brooklyn Museum of Art, located on the East Wing third floor of the
building was quite an experience. The purpose of this visit was a class
assignment to observe some ancient work of art, and to make a choice to write about
one of them. Furthermore, a precise account of my observations will be
addressed .In addition a distinct description of the sculpture will be given, as
well as the materials and tools used
Name
and date of piece
The
sculptures observed were two wooden statues of an Egyptian Official named Metjetji which displayed him as a young
man and the other appeared to display him in his middle age .He represented the
Old Kingdom – Late Dynasty 5-Early Dynasty 6 – Circa 2371-2288 BCE. author
unknown.
Material
and tools used
The
statues of Metjetji were intricately
chiseled and carved out of probably Saqqara wood. In addition, they were artistically covered in
paint or painted plaster which used to completing them both.
A
detailed description of my Observation
The two vertical free standing wooden
sculptures of Metjetji were placed
on a platform of wood. The depiction of the two represented him at different
stages of his life. As a young man his physical structure was strong and erect
but, as he aged gracefully his shoulders seemed to appear to have a forward
intrusion. The most outstanding attraction was his facial expression; and his pronounced
blue eyes and shiny type of wiry black hair made it all fit together. His skin
was tan color. In addition, there was an unfinished look to his right arm and
left leg. The painted sculptures appeared simple yet lively in appearance. Both
costumes were similar in style and were neatly made of stranded designed beads
with a khaki color fabric which appeared to be linen texture. The exceptional
and well fitted knee high skirt highlighted colorful and assorted with beads
around the lower waist and the front .He also wore decorated colorful beaded
jewelry around his neck which appeared like a cultural costume. In middle age
he carried a wooden staff in his left hand in which perhaps signified his
authority as an official. His image dimension
was 351/16(89).
Speculation
on the purpose and message this work of Art attempts to convey
In
observing the sculptures I was mentally transported to the era in which Metjetji existed. I also noted the
progression of the two different stages of his life and career. In the first
instance the artist depicted him as a young man probably in his early teens,
looking quite innocent and having no knowledge of his destiny. In the second
statue, he had grown into a man of stature. He carried a staff which I think
represented a man of position and authority. Moreover, he represented a figure gallantry
in the society in which he lived.
In
conclusion, my journey to the Brooklyn Museum of Art turned out to be most
interesting rewarding and informative experience .I was introduced for the first
time to a world of beautiful Egyptian exhibits. My choices of art were the two statues of Metjetji- an Egyptian official which dated back to (2371-2288 BCE) the two separate
depiction of him, reminded me of the progression of life. I was also fascinated by his costumes which
highlighted the culture in which he lived.
