The objects that I have chosen to compare in this essay are the Striding Figure (MMA. 62.200) from Unit 1, and the Official With Pleated Costume (MMA. 65.119). Both these figures come from different periods in Egyptian history, the former being from the Old Kingdom (ca. 2575–2465 B.C.) and the latter from the Ptolemaic Period (150 – 1 BC). These figures consequently possess a number of similarities, while their differences serve to emphasise the variances in artistic and cultural conventions between their respective historical periods.
The most obvious similarity between the two works is that they are both male striding figures, depicted mid-step as if they are moving forwards. Both sculptures are also made from rock, which reinforces the movement of the figures as they seem to be emerging (either outward or upward) from a rectangular carving block. The difference between the two in this case arises from the fact that the Striding Figure is made of quartzite giving it a distinctly reddish-brown colouring, whereas the Official is carved from diorite making it appear grey or black. Additionally, the original quartzite block from which the Striding Figure is carved is significantly more apparent – as displayed by the thick base and back of the sculpture from which the figure protrudes, and its legs remaining affixed to it – compared to the Official, in which evidence of the original diorite is comparatively modest i.e. only at the thin base and between the legs of the figure, possibly alluding to more mature sculpting methods. Nevertheless, the techniques and materials used in both works indicate that they were geared towards preservation. The two sculptures also pose a significant height difference, with the Striding Figure being 35 1/4 inches tall, and the Official being 45 7/8 inches tall. This approximately 11 inch increase could suggest that the Official represents an individual with considerable significance and higher stature compared to the Striding Figure, or may simply be a consequence of the fact that the latter was intended for a tomb and was restricted in its dimensions, whereas the former was built to stand in front of temple pylons thus necessitating grander proportions.
In terms of their posture and bodily appearance, both sculptures continue to possess similarities as their musculature with evident pectorals and well-built arms and calves are indicative of the youthfulness of two figures. This is furthered by the intricately detailed, smooth facial features of both, consisting of large eyes and multiple lines and depressions evidencing a semi-realistic portrayal of the figures. The Official also seems to have protruding eyes, a slightly tilted head, and subtle smile, adding to its lifelike image. The posture of both figures with their left foot stepping outward, arms placed to the side (albeit the Official has his right arm bent towards his body), and palms clenched also bear a resemblance. However, the difference lies in the fact that the Striding Figure has a rigid angular pose with a hunch or raised shoulders, while the Official stands in a more naturalistic manner. Reinforcing this notion is the fact that the Official is also significantly more proportional than the Striding Figure in which the limbs and feet are disproportionately larger than the torso and the left leg extending outwards is longer than the right. This lesser success in sizing the Striding Figure may either be intentional in order to emphasize the brawniness of the figure due to his societal role as a manual labourer or other such worker requiring a show of physical prowess, or may just be a consequence of less developed sculpting methods.
In addition to the bodies of the figures, the two are also similar in the sense that they wear headdresses and are clothed. The Striding Figure’s headdress consists of radial layers and reaches down to his shoulders covering his ears, whereas the Official wears a diadem possibly indicating his priestly office (“Official”). Perhaps the most conspicuous difference between the two sculptures is in their clothing. The Striding Figure wears only a kilt (originally white in colour, similar to the corneas of the Official) tied at the waist, while the Official is covered in more elaborate drapery. His ensemble consists of three elements – a sleeved tunic, over which is wrapped a long fringed skirt whose edge is visible between the legs, and finally a shawl that is draped over the upper body in such a way as to cover the left arm and pass under the right, with its ends gathered into the left fist. The clothing of both figures also pose another difference as the details in the Striding Figure such as the folds of the cloth are highlighted by carving into the rock, while in the Official, folds and fringes of the drapes are conveyed through reliefs. Overall, these deviations in adornment also have the important purpose of demonstrating the differing societal norms of the respective periods in which the figures were made, as the rounded headdress and kilt of the Striding Figure are typical of Old Kingdom Egypt (“Striding”), whereas the Greek-style short curly hair and drapery of the Official are symbolic of the growing integration of Hellenistic influences during the Ptolemaic Period (“Official”).
In conclusion, both these sculptures, despite being relatively simplistic portrayals of male figures, are important artefacts that are testament to the culture and norms of their time. Their various similarities serve to document the conventions that remained consistent during the transitional interval between one period and the next, while their differences highlight the changing values and influences that emerged later.
Works Cited
“Official With Pleated Costume.” Metmuseum.org, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545872.
Official With Pleated Costume, 150 – 1 BC, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Met Collection, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545872. Accessed 4th Oct 2020.
“Striding Figure.” Metmuseum.org, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/543903.
Striding Figure, ca. 2575–2465 BC, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Met Collection, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/543903. Accessed 4th Oct 2020.
