The Mesopotamians had a generally pessimistic view of life. How do the arts of their civilization reveal this? Use at least one example to illustrate your points. What other features of this culture does the art reveal?
These sites will give you some help with that.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=+Mesopotamians+philosophy+and+art&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=
none of these sites talk about this topic. one is just a site 4 a book. try your course text book. i read mine twice n i think i got an idea about this q.
To understand how the arts of the Mesopotamians reveal their pessimistic view of life, we must analyze their artistic representations and subject matter. Here's how you can approach this question and find an example:
1. Research Mesopotamian Art: Start by studying the various forms of Mesopotamian art, such as sculptures, reliefs, and cylinder seals. Learn about the themes, symbols, and techniques commonly used in their artwork.
2. Identify Pessimistic Elements: Look for visual cues and thematic elements that suggest a pessimistic worldview. Keep in mind that Mesopotamian art often depicted supernatural beings, religious figures, and daily life scenes.
3. Explore Artistic Depictions of Mortality and Death: Mesopotamian art often portrayed death, suffering, and the inevitability of mortality. Look for examples that convey the transient nature of life, emphasizing the futility of human existence, or highlighting the dominance of death in their depictions.
4. Examine Artworks: Once you have a good understanding of their artistic style and motifs, seek out specific examples that illustrate the pessimistic views of the Mesopotamians.
For example, the 'Lamentation over the Destruction of Ur' is an artwork that reflects the pessimism of the Mesopotamians. This relief sculpture, originally located in the city of Ur, depicts a scene of mourning and grief over the destruction of their city. The figures in the artwork display expressions of sorrow and despair, emphasizing the sadness and hopelessness of the situation.
Furthermore, Mesopotamian art often revealed features of their culture beyond pessimism, including:
1. Religious Beliefs: The deities and religious rituals were frequently depicted in their artwork, highlighting the importance of religion in their lives.
2. Social Hierarchy: Artworks often showcased the ruling elite, emphasizing the distinction between the common people and those in power.
3. Warfare and Conquest: Scenes of battles, triumphs, and military campaigns can be seen in their art, reflecting the warfare-centered nature of their civilization.
By examining these elements in Mesopotamian art, one can gain insights into their culture, beliefs, and historical context.