Power and status in Persian and Egyptian royal sculpture

Men are the focal point in the sculpture, Darius and Xerxes Receiving Tribute. Darius is raised on a higher level than his subjects are. He appears taller than the others, even while sitting. There is a direct order in the status of the men who are coming to pay tribute to him. His most important guests are in front of the line. The least important guests are at the rear. He is holding his staff in his right hand, the sign of a ruler. Darius felt that he was all power and "...king of the earth" (Ancient Mesopotamia).

The Persians ordered men from conquered cities to bring gifts to the Persian ruler, the theme of the sculpture. This sculpture was found in the Apadana, one of the most impressive buildings in the area. The building is decorated with several depictions of nobles and others carrying gifts to the king. The gifts often included goblets or weapons made out of precious materials (Persepolis).

Darius and Xerxes are almost treated as equal in the sculpture. Xerxes' status is known because he is seated. His son stands behind him. Both men are bearded, which generally symbolized wisdom. In fact, the two men look almost identical. It appears that hairstyle and dress are the only distinguishing aspects between the two. The bodies of the men depicted are in block shapes, which are consistent throughout the piece. The Persians created works out of substances that could be easily carried, and borrowed the style of the sculpture from other cultures (Art 101). Darius and Xerxes Receiving Tribute is constructed out of limestone. This figure was located in a stairway in a large complex that was built by Darius and completed by Xerxes. The piece stands a massive 8 feet tall. The figures in the piece have depth. Spacing between the figures appears even. The sculpture highlights thin lines, which create a three dimensional effect in the subjects' dress. The lines are rather angular, not curvy or flowing. However, they give the dress a draping effect. The King's opulence is evident by the layers of clothing he wears. Darius and his son's clothing are the opposite of the simple and humble garb worn by those who pay them tribute. The subjects have similar features. Only one of the subjects is wearing a crown, making it clear that even a king must bow and worship Darius.

Women are the focal point in the Offering to Isis, located in the tomb of Nefertari. The Queen is offering valuables to two goddesses. Images depicting mythology were prevalent during the period in which this piece was constructed. This image is clearly one-dimensional. However, vibrant colors are used instead of the natural limestone coloring in Darius' sculpture. The wealth associated with Nefertari is demonstrated in the gold jewelry around her neck and in her hair. Like the Darius piece, the characters resemble each other, except for their dress. The shapes of the faces are styled almost identically in the two pieces. Both of the pieces depict subjects in profile. They both have the same angular features. Even the subject matter in both of the works is similar, except that Nefertari is making an offering to a mythical being. The goddesses are seated, just as Darius was seated, demonstrating their importance over the Queen. The Nefertari piece is more detailed, however. There are more images in the piece.