¶ … art, Beaker with birds and animals from ancient Greece, and Four-handled vessel from Ancient Egypt. Specifically, it will compare and contrast these two works, and how they fit into the context of the time period.

The ancient Grecian beaker is a beautiful work made of silver, and engraved and stamped with birds, animals, and fish. It was created in the ancient land of Thrace, which was a part of the Greek Empire, but is now located in Europe. The style of the beaker is mythical and magical, and the symbols on it seem to relate to local myth or lore. It could have been used for serving beverages, but it seems more likely it was used ceremonially or at other important events, because of the precious metal used in construction and the detailed and very intricate designs, which would make it more valuable as an object.

In comparison, the Four-handled vessel from Egypt does not seem nearly as elegant or detailed at first glance, but in reality, the effort that went into the vessel is at least equal to the beaker, if techniques are considered. The vessel is made of glass and it underwent a multi-step process to incorporate the colored glass decorations onto the surface of the vessel. While the beaker is elegant, the vessel is beautiful to look at and would seem at home in a modern kitchen, which sets it apart from the beaker. Its design is timeless and useful, and it probably enjoyed everyday use in the Egyptian home. It does not seem to carry the same symbolic meaning as the beaker; it is simply a beautiful piece of decorative but useful glass to use in the home, while the beaker is clearly meant for more than a drinking beaker. Both works use detailed decoration as the basis for their design, and both designs are simple and yet elegant in their style and function. Both created around the same time, they show two very different sides of ancient artworks.

References

2007). Beaker with birds and animals. In Timeline of Art History. Retrieved from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Web site: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ho/04/eusb/hod_47.100.88.htm26 July 2007.

2007). Four-handed vessel. Retrieved from the Smithsonian Institution Web site: http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/singleObject.cfm?ObjectId=491126 July 2007.