Rachel Holle

An Analysis of Portrait of an Older Woman and False Door

 

When comparing two artworks from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, The Portrait of an Older Woman (Figure 1) and the False Door (Figure 2) are great examples of the pieces of art from each of the specific time periods. The Portrait of an Older Woman was created during the Roman Republican time period (60-70 A.D.) whereas the False Door originates from the Egyptian time period (2400 B.C.E). Neither of the pieces of arts have an identifiable artist. The Portrait of an Older Woman, made from marble was once originally thought to be depiction of Agrippina, the mother of the emperor Nero, but is now understood to be a representation of a Roman matron that is to this day unidentified[1]. In comparison, the False Door carved from limestone is typically located in the west wall of tombs in order to separate the worlds between the living and the dead.[2] Comparing and contrasting these two works of art will demonstrate the uniqueness of style between the two time periods. Looking at both pieces will further verify the distinctions of each era.

The Portrait of an Older Woman is designed to display the appearance of women in the Roman Republican time. Noting her facial expression, which appears to be sunken and morose, tends to contradict her choice of attire. With extensive detail to the hair and clothing, this sculpture ties into the classic portraits of the Roman Republican era. With the position of the body, hair, and draping on the garment, it is a clear representation of traditional women’s wear.  Roman sculptures combined the Greek Hellenistic influence due to the growing demands for Greek sculptures at the time. However, Greek sculptures modeled a more flawless physique where the Roman’s kept a more authentic form[3]. Creating intentional beauty marks and wrinkles to create a more realistic is the main difference between Greek and Roman art. Comparing this portrait to the Roman Portrait of Pompey (Figure 3) it is clear to see the resemblance in style period. Both sculptures have much attention to the genuine features of the face. Providing wrinkles and blemishes to make the face more life-like.

The False Door originating from Egyptian art this sculpture carved in low relief shows inscriptions of hieroglyphs to honor priest Irynakhet. Like many Egyptian sculptures at the time, the use of limestone to ensure durability for many decades. The engraved hieroglyphs are common in Egyptian art; however they are typically shown from right to left, but here, the opposite direction is present[4]. Egyptian tombs were built for those in high power such as Pharaohs, priests, and queens. This False Door serves as a focal point to priest Iryenakhet’s tomb and the central attraction to any visitors. Those entering the tomb bear food and prayers for the departed soul. Comparing this low- relief sculpture to Akhenaten and His Family (Figure 4) they both have the centralized idea to depict a story through hieroglyphs and images. However, this sunken relief exhibits the hieroglyphs from right to left in their natural form.

            Between the Portrait of the Older Women and the False Door there are many similarities and differences that make it easy to see the uniqueness between the two style periods. Even though both are considered to be sculptures, they both sever vastly different purposes in that culture. With the Portrait of an Older Woman, this sculpture has much attention to detail where the False Door is mainly focused on the hieroglyphs and what it is saying due to the fact it is in remembrance of the priest. As the False Door is carved in a sunken relief, the portrait is done as a free- standing sculpture. The materials used for each vary as well. Having the portrait done in marble and the door carved in limestone, this adds to the difference in the art as well as the materials available to each time period. A vast majority of Roman art is derived from Greek styles, both Hellenistic and classical in the same way that Egyptian art did not attempt to create new and original art. Focusing mainly on the idea or concept of the art rather than creating a unique work of art[5].

Comparing and contrasting the works of the Portrait of an Older Woman and the False Door, it is clear to see the many differences due to the amount of time between each period. Through the diverse use of materials such as marble and limestone, it provides evidence of the originality of the era. Since neither of the artworks had known artists, understanding how each was built is harder to depict. Even though each era had specific styles, knowing the artist helps recognize the procedural steps in assembling the piece. When comparing and contrasting these sculptures knowing the styles is important in comprehending how each piece of art fits in with the societal norms during that time. When comparing, a clear picture is painted of the eras. Through the many similarities and differences the two artworks cover, it creates a connection between Egyptian and Roman art. Taking concepts from many sources, the style of art changes overtime, but it still based upon the same original source.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Figure 1)                               (Figure 2)                                 (Figure 3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Figure 4)

 

 

 

[1] Minneapolis Institute of Art wall description

 

[2] Minneapolis Institute of Art wall description

 

[3] Notes from class

 

[4] Minneapolis Institute of Art wall description

 

[5] Penelope Davies, et al., Janson’s History of Art, the Western Tradition. Seventh Edition. Prentice Hall, 2007, pg. 47