Old+Kingdom

The Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BCE) The Old Kingdom began in 2686 BCE with the rule of Sanakhte. The first notable ruler of the Old Kingdom was Djoser, who commissioned the first pyramid, a step pyramid. During this period, the capital was moved to Memphis. The wealth of the pharaohs was evident by the extravagant tombs and burial chambers. The court sculptors were often brought in to create life size sculptors of the high class officials, primarily pharaohs.

The Pyramid of Djoser (2660 BCE)  The Pyramid of Djoser, also known as the Step Pyramid, was ordered to be created by the pharaoh Djoser. The step pyramid rises 62 meters, which is the equivalent to 203 feet. The Pyramid of Djoser is made of six mastaba stacked on top of each other, with each one decreasing in size after the next. A mastaba is a rectangular flat topped structure with slanted walls, which usually covered an Egyptian tomb. The series of stacked mastabas represents a stairway to the sun god Ra. The step pyramid, along with the complex surrounding the pyramid was designed by Imhotep. Imhotep is considered to be the first known architect. To access the tomb, there is a corridor at the base of the pyramid, which leads downward to the tomb.

The Great Pyramids of Giza (2575-2040 BCE) The pyramids of Giza are probably the most recognized symbol of ancient Egypt. The three pyramids were constructed between the years 2575-2040 BCE. The largest and oldest pyramid is the Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza. The pyramid was originally covered with a polished limestone veneer, and some of it still remains at the top of the pyramid. The Pyramid of Khafre is the second largest, and the Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three pyramids. The site of the Giza pyramids was planned to follow the sun's east-west path. Each of the pharaoh's mummified bodies were placed inside tombs deep within each of their respective pyramids.

Khafre (2520-2494 BCE) Khafre was the pharaoh of Egypt between the years of 2558-2532 BCE. Khafre is shown seated, with Horus perched on the back of the throne. This statue of Khafre is made from the hard black stone, diorite. The legs of the chair are in the shape of lions, which are the symbol of regal authority. On the side of the chair their are lotus and papyrus plants, which show the pharaoh's rule over Upper and Lower Egypt. The lotus plants are a symbol of Upper Egypt, while the papyrus plants are a symbol of Lower Egypt. Khafre is wearing the traditional royal costume; a false beard, a short kilt, and a linen headdress.

Menkaure and Queen Khamerernebty II (2490-2472 BCE) Menkaure and Queen Khamerernebty II, also known by Menkaure and a Queen, was created between 2494-2472 BCE. It shows Menkaure and his queen standing, with Menkaure wife's arms around Menkaure. Menkaure has his left foot slightly forward to enforce his power over the Egyptian territory. He wears the traditional pharaoh headdress on his head and the normal beard, which signify that he is the pharaoh. Both bodies are rigid and have stern looks upon their faces. This sculpture is made of greywacke covered with red and black paint.

Seated Scribe (2450-2325 BCE) The Seated Scribe was created by a sculptor around the years 2450-2325 BCE. In contrast to the sculptures of pharaohs and other high ranking officials, the Seated Scribe shows a scribe very naturalistically. His body is shown with flabs and rolls, showing his true body form. The scribe is holding a papyrus scroll, which is unrolled in his lap. This sculpture shows that lower ranking people were sculpted more naturalistically than those of higher ranking.

Sources:
Art History Third Edition by Marilyn Stokstad

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