Symbols of Power and Authority by

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:42:39 UTC

Artist

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:43:37 UTC

Unknown

Date

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:43:55 UTC

Approximately 968 CE

Medium

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:44:11 UTC

Carved Ivory

Culture of Origin

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:44:30 UTC

Islamic (Umayyad Dynasty)

Description

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:47:21 UTC

A carved ivory container made for the Umayyad prince al-Mughira. This luxurious piece was most likely intended to be a gift, a symbol of wealth, status, and authority. The carvings on the piece feature scenes of princely life, hunting, musicians, and falconry- an activity that is closely associated with power and noble status. Beyond that, the intricate geometric motifs are classic characteristics of Islamic art. As a symbol of authority, the pyxis highlights both the cultural prestige of the Umayyads and their political power.

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:49:06 UTC

Artist

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:49:27 UTC

Unknown

Date

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:49:41 UTC

Approximately 2570 BCE

Medium

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:50:25 UTC

Anorthosite Gneiss (Diorite)

Culture of Origin

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:50:42 UTC

Egyptian

Description

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:53:37 UTC

The statue of Pharaoh Khafre, the pharaoh responsible for the commission of the Pyramid of Giza, is one of the most iconic examples of Egyptian leadership. The figure's seated posture conveys a sense of calming authority, with his well-built form representing the idealized image of the pharaoh as both god and king. The stone used to craft the statute was both precious and very durable, signifying the eternal strength he carried. This sculpture's broader purpose is to highlight the god-king status of the pharaoh, with symbols included like the falcon god Horus, protecting him.

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:54:41 UTC

Artist

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:54:58 UTC

Unknown

Date

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:55:11 UTC

Approximately 1754 BCE

Medium

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:55:19 UTC

Basalt

Culture of Origin

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:55:35 UTC

Babylonian (Mesopotamian)

Description

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 22:57:58 UTC

The Steele of Hammurabi is a large stone monument inscribed with one of the first sets of law. At the top, it portrays King Hammurabi receiving the laws from the sun god Shamash, symbolizing his divine right to rule and give justice. The stele was both a legal code and a symbol of Hammurabi's authority as a King through divine selection. The inclusion of the god Shamash solidifies this idea of Hammurabi being chosen by the gods, further reinforcing his political authority over his people.

Curator By: Matthew Perry

matthewperry9 — 2024-11-03 23:38:20 UTC

Throughout history, different societies have used various visual mediums to express power, legitimacy, and authority. This mini-exhibition, Symbols of Power and Authority, brings together popular works from 3 distinctly different societies to portray a similar theme. This includes the Pyxis of al-Mughira from Islamic Spain, the Statue of Pharaoh Khafre from Ancient Egypt, and the Steele of Hammurabi of Babylon. The Pyxis of al-Mughira showcases the luxurious nature of the Umayyad leadership, using detailed carvings and scenes attributed to nobility to portray the refinement of Islamic nobility. In contrast, the Statue of Pharaoh Khafre deeply embodies the Egyptian principle of a divine ruler, presenting the pharaoh as not just a king, but also a god. Finally, the Stele of Hammurabi combines both legal and divine authority, showing King Hammurabi receiving his legal code from the god Shamash, connecting his legal principles to his role as a divinely selected king. Together these works come to reveal the specific principles of Power and where it comes from in different societies.