1. Questions

ART--please anyone

Can someone help me?

In the picture given on the above site, I have to determine if it shows elements of naturalism and idealism. If is abtract or not.

Is a photo of a sphinx supposed to show up? With this description:
Sphinx of Senwosret III, ca. 1878–1841 B.C.E.; Dynasty 12, reign of Senwosret III; Middle Kingdom Egyptian

Naturalism: http://www.answers.com/naturalism

Idealism:
http://www.answers.com/idealism

Abstract:
http://www.answers.com/topic/abstract-art
(Since this states that abstract art is a 20th century trend, it's doubtful!)

Let us know what you think and why, and we'll be happy to give you feedback.

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This is what I have. I cannot give you a straight answer because I don't know. I only assume that it is abtract (the sphinx) but as far as the other ones, I do no know.

In this essay I will conduct a formal analysis of two ancient works of art. The first ancient work of art is a winged human-headed bull from the neo-assyrian period. This monumental limestone sculpture is located in Khorsabad, Palace in Iraq and dates to 721 through 705 BC. The second ancient work of art is a sphinx of Senwosret III, a sculpture made up of grained anorthosite gneiss from quarries in Nubia. It dates to circa 1878 through 1841 BCE. Both sculptures are very symbolic and contain concepts of protection and guidance.

The winged human-headed bulls were protective genies call shedu or lamassu that were set to guard the city from enemies. It symbolizes a head of a human, the body and ears of a bull, and the wings of a bird, or better yet, the strength of a bull, the swiftness of the bird, and intelligence of a human head. If viewed from the front, it stands firm; if viewed from the side, you would notice that it seems to be walking forward in a sense to combat evil while at the same time protecting and guiding palace entrances. Similar to the winged human-headed bulls, the sphinxes were viewed as conquerors and divine guardians of entrances to important buildings. It symbolizes “in cosmic myths the place on the horizon where the sun was reborn every day.” The statue is in the shape of a lion with the head of Senwosret III, the reigning king. At the time Senwosret III was powerful in the region of Nubia launching a few military campaigns and constructing fortresses along the Nile. Because of his use of authority and collaboration, he was worshiped as a local god. The two sculptures are focused mainly on the protection and guidance of sacred places, like a king’s palace where the king’s throne is set, against their enemies. Whereas the winged human-headed bulls are set to protect and guide palaces from enemy spirits, the sphinx of Senwosret III is meant to represent specifically his title, ancestry, and achievements.

The two sculptures give important attention to the protection and guidance concepts, for example, protecting a palace where a king’s throne is set hidden from their enemies. The winged human-headed bull stands over four meters high by four meter wide and a meter in depth. As for the sphinx of Senwosret III, the dimensions are 28 and ¾ in. in length. Though both sculptures have animal and human figures, their styles continue to be different to each other. What is precisely depicted is the bull, or beast with four five legs with some different figures making it These sculptures have wings, five legs, beards, hair, and horns, just to name a few. Safe to say, it is symbolic, rhythmic, and abstract. There are no signs of grief, anger, joy, death, or woman or children.

The sphinx shows particularity the face of Senwosret III. It includes a pleated linen head cloth, which symbolizes kingship. In addition, a cobra appears to be around his pleated linen head cloth to represents protection for Senwosret III. Both sculptures’ autonomies are precisely rendered; their lines, looks, and others features were made to fit exactly what is being presented. Whereas the winged human-headed bull puts down a curse to those enemies who wish to harm the edifice, sphinx of Senwosret III seems to me that he does not have to take the similar approach, instead have the enemies come to Senwosret III.

In conclusion, both sculptures reflect on culture aspects and focus on authority, or better yet, protection and guidance. While the winged human-headed bull concentrates on a type, the sphinx concentrates on an individual, Senwosret III.

None of these works of art are abstract. Please go back and reread the definition of abstract art at the answers.com link I gave you -- http://www.answers.com/abstract%20art:
"A trend in painting and sculpture in the twentieth century. Abstract art seeks to break away from traditional representation of physical objects. It explores the relationships of forms and colors, whereas more traditional art represents the world in recognizable images."

In addition, there are some examples of abstract art on the right side of the screen. No ancient artworks, no matter how large or small, fit the definition of abstract art.

Four other suggestions for your paper:

1. Write a more sophisticated first sentence. What you have written is typical of elementary school writing, and it doesn't fit with the rest of the paper at all.

2. There should no doubt be MANY citations and references throughout the paper -- in other words, exactly where did you get all these pieces of information? You could search for a website to help you with citation format.

3. You should pay attention to standard phrasing and uses of specific words. One example in the next-to-last sentence is the word "culture" (a noun); it needs to be replaced by "cultural" (an adjective to modify "aspects"). Remember --adjectives modify nouns; nouns do not modify other nouns.

4. Your conclusion needs to be fleshed out. A two-sentence conclusion is weak after such a detailed paper.

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As far as the first work of art, I have found some evidence online that it is an abtract. I will also take your comments into consideration.

Overall, I think you did very well with that assignment. Let me know what the outcome is.

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