Egyptian Art: Studies

by G. (Gaston) Maspero

"Egyptian Art: Studies" by Sir Gaston Maspero is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work consists of a collection of essays that explore various aspects of ancient Egyptian art, particularly its statuary and sculpture, and aims to educate the general public on the styles, techniques, and significance of these artworks throughout Egyptian history. The author draws on his extensive expertise and firsthand experiences with Egyptian artifacts to present a thorough understanding of the artistic movements and cultural contexts behind the creation of these works. The opening of the publication introduces the background and purpose of the essays, clarifying that they span over thirty years of work and were written for a wider audience rather than just experts in Egyptology. Maspero discusses the necessity of highlighting the utilitarian aspects of Egyptian art, emphasizing the need to convey the significance of sculpture and its connection to the afterlife. He touches on the evolution of artistic schools in Egypt, citing various local styles and inspirations while lamenting the past neglect of non-literary monuments by Egyptologists. The introductory remarks lay the groundwork for a detailed exploration of significant works, including discussions of pharaohs’ portraits, the techniques used in their creation, and the sociocultural implications of these artistic endeavors.