What is the Egyptian Decor Style Called?

The Egyptian style called Amarna style was a revolutionary form of art that emerged during the reign of Amenhotep IV, who later came to be known as Akhenaton. This style of art was developed during the 18th dynasty (1353-36 bce) and was different from the traditional Egyptian styles that were prevalent at the time. The Amarna style is characterized by its unique features, including elongated proportions, prominent muscles, and sharp angles. Here are some interesting facts about the Amarna style that you might find intriguing:

The Amarna style was a departure from traditional Egyptian art as it depicted the pharaoh and his family in a more relaxed and informal setting.

The Amarna style was also marked by a greater sense of realism compared to earlier forms of Egyptian art.

The Amarna style was a reflection of Akhenaton’s revolutionary ideas about religion, in which he worshipped Aten, the sun god, as the supreme deity.

The Amarna style was short-lived and was replaced by more traditional forms of art after Akhenaton’s death.

Despite its short lifespan, the Amarna style had a profound influence on later forms of Egyptian art.

In conclusion, the Amarna style was a revolutionary form of art that emerged during the reign of Amenhotep IV and was characterized by its unique features. Although short-lived, the Amarna style had a profound influence on later forms of Egyptian art and reflected Akhenaton’s ideas about religion and society.

The Origins of the Amarna Style in Egyptian Art

The Amarna style of Egyptian art is a revolutionary fashion developed through Amenhotep IV, who later adopted the name Akhenaton during his rule from 1353-36 BCE, during the 18th dynasty. This new style of art was a significant departure from the traditional art style of Egypt that had prevailed for centuries. The Amarna style emerged out of a cultural revolution that sought to challenge the worship of traditional gods and goddesses and replace them with a monotheistic religion that centered on the worship of the sun-disc, Aten. The Amarna style was a visual manifestation of this religious and cultural shift to a new era of art.

Akhenaton and the Significance of His Reign

Akhenaton was a pharaoh like no other in the history of Egypt. He was a revolutionary leader who challenged the traditional religious and political systems of Egypt. He abolished the polytheistic religion that had dominated the ancient Egyptian society for centuries. Instead, he promoted the worship of the sun-disc, Aten, to symbolize the oneness of the divine presence. He also moved the capital city of Egypt from Thebes to a new city called Amarna. It was during his reign and in this new city where the Amarna style began to flourish. The significance of Akhenaton’s reign lies in his ability to challenge and transform the established systems of Egypt. He revolutionized the art and architecture of Egypt, and his reign marked a cultural and religious renaissance that would influence later artistic movements.

Characteristics of the Amarna Style of Egyptian Art

The Amarna style is characterized by a uniquely naturalistic and expressive form that marks a significant departure from the traditional Egyptian style. Some of the notable characteristics of the Amarna style include: 1. Realism: The Amarna style focuses on realistic depictions of the human form, juxtaposed against naturalistic backgrounds that include rolling hills, flowers, and trees. 2. Emphasis on Female Beauty: The Amarna style places a significant emphasis on the feminine ideal, with elongated necks, narrow waists, and full hips. 3. Use of Sun Rays: The Amarna style often depicts the sun-disc, Aten, with rays of light extending down to touch and embrace the figures depicted. 4. Use of Linear Forms: The Amarna style utilizes linear forms, such as elongated fingers, to convey a sense of dynamism and movement in the figures depicted.

How the Amarna Style Departs from Traditional Egyptian Art

The Amarna style is a stark departure from traditional Egyptian art in several ways. Traditional Egyptian art was characterized by a highly formalized and static style, with figures depicted in a rigid, frontal pose. In contrast, the Amarna style is characterized by a dynamic, naturalistic form that places an emphasis on realistic depictions of the human form. The use of naturalistic backgrounds further emphasizes the naturalistic form of the figures depicted, in stark contrast to the traditional use of abstracted backgrounds. The Amarna style also departs from traditional Egyptian art in its focus on the feminine ideal. Traditional Egyptian art placed little emphasis on the depiction of women, who were often portrayed in subservient positions or depicted inaccurately. In contrast, the Amarna style placed a significant emphasis on the beauty and grace of women, depicting them with elongated necks and narrow waists.

The Influence of the Amarna Style on Later Artistic Movements

The Amarna style had a significant impact on later artistic movements, both in Egypt and beyond. The naturalistic and expressive form of the Amarna style influenced later representations of the human form in art, inspiring artists to experiment with new forms and styles. The emphasis on the feminine ideal in the Amarna style also had an impact on the depiction of women in later art, inspiring artists to celebrate the beauty and grace of women in their work. The influence of the Amarna style is particularly evident in the work of artists in the 19th and 20th centuries who looked to the Amarna style as a source of inspiration. The Pre-Raphaelites, for example, were directly influenced by the Amarna style, with their focus on the naturalistic and expressive form.

Examples of the Amarna Style in Egyptian Art

Examples of the Amarna style in Egyptian art can be seen in various works of art created during the reign of Akhenaton. One of the most striking examples of the Amarna style is the relief sculpture of Akhenaton from the temple of Karnak. This sculpture shows Akhenaton with a long, narrow face and elongated fingers, reflecting the linear forms of the Amarna style. Another example of the Amarna style in Egyptian art is the sculpture of Nefertiti. This sculpture depicts Akhenaton’s wife with an elongated neck, narrow waist, and full hips, reflecting the emphasis on female beauty in the Amarna style.

The Legacy of the Amarna Style in Contemporary Art and Design

The legacy of the Amarna style can still be felt today in contemporary art and design. The naturalistic and expressive form of the Amarna style continues to inspire artists and designers, who look to the style as a source of inspiration for new forms and styles. The emphasis on the feminine ideal in the Amarna style has also had an impact on contemporary design, inspiring designers to create products that celebrate the beauty and grace of women. In conclusion, the Amarna style of Egyptian art is a revolutionary fashion that emerged during the reign of Akhenaton, who challenged and transformed the established systems of ancient Egypt. The Amarna style is characterized by a naturalistic and expressive form that marks a significant departure from traditional Egyptian art. The influence of the Amarna style can still be felt today in contemporary art and design, inspiring artists and designers to experiment with new forms and styles that celebrate the beauty and grace of the human form.