Art

The best known Paleolithic female figure is the Venus of Willendorf, which dates back to between 28,000 and 25,000 BC. The tiny statue, which is only four and a half inches tall, is made of limestone and was named after the town, which she was found in, Willendorf, Austria. The sculpture shows a very anatomically exaggerated woman, which has suggested to many that this served as a fertility image. The sculpture shows a nude woman with a large stomach that sticks out but does not hide her pubic area. The stomach appears to depict pregnancy. Her thighs and breast are also enormous yet her arms and hands are very thin in comparison. The sculpture gave little importance to detail and gave the statue no facial characteristics

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The Greeks humanized their gods by showing them engage in everyday activities. It may indicate that the queen is a fertility figurine like the Venus of Willendorf who also displays the same outline. It is clear that the Paleolithic art consists almost exclusively of females as opposed to males. This along with the feline that is found in her head represents her control over nature. Similar to the previous statues, the Snake Goddess portrays female nudity; nevertheless it is shown in a more distinct way than the previous sculptures. This statue was created in 1600 BC and is a great representation of the Minoan culture and portrayal of women. The exposed breast may suggest that the statue represents a fertility image whom where usually considered divinities. !

The Aphrodite of Knidos, whose original copy was lost, is considered the first great female nude statue. Yet the statue of Menkaure and his Wife shows the queen at the same height as the king giving her more importance than was given to numerous women. Even though the statue is naked it did not come across as erotic or insulting to the Greek society of the time but rather as sensuous. Many cultures were influenced by those that preceded them and this may be why the expression of woman as a fertility deity may be seen over and over again. The statue, created between 2490 and 2472 BC, is done in a stone block in the typical standing pose of Egyptian art. Her face is very unexpressive and the couple shows no affection as they look out into space rather at each other. The only detail the artist suggested was her hair which some may argue is a woven hat. Unlike the king who wears an unrevealing royal kilt, the queen is shown in a thing garment that reveals more of her body than it actually conceals.

Common topics in this essay:
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Approximate Word count = 1059
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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