Tha Influence of Egyptian Art on Modern World

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Tha Influence of Egyptian Art on Modern World

Egyptian art has journeyed through the centuries as one of the most influential phenomenons in human civilization. From the Greeks to the Romans to the people of today, Egyptians and their beautiful representations in art and architecture have proven a legacy in the creations of certain landmarks, statues, and even advertisements. The Greeks derived many of their statues from Egyptian sculptures, such as the Kouros 600 B.C. The Roman emperor Augustus in expressing his rulership also drew from Egyptian sculpture when he had himself depicted as a statue of Menkaure (an ancient Egyptian king) with all the Egyptian trimmings of robe, crown, and posture. In more contemporary times, the Temple of Luxor in Las Vegas was established to replicate the pyramids of Giza. These examples are but a few of the inspirations drawn from Egyptian influence, an influence so powerful that it can readily become apparent in mainstream culture of today through advertisements such as this Sony "handycam".

This particular advertisement comes from the manufacturers of Sony - a company which deals mainly with electronics from televisions to stereo systems to compact disc players and electronic games. In this case it is video "handycam" recorders. Incorporated into one of the pages of Time magazine (October 21st, 1996 issue), this Sony advertisement has been directed towards an adult audience who are usually news-oriented individuals. The individuals who encounter this particular page are exposed to an impossible yet glorifying spectacle of Handycam video recorders placed directly on top of the pyramids of Giza. Carrying on the statement that these video cameras are "built to withstand the test of time" suc...

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...g that is shot in focus. The Giza pyramids, because it is a tomb to kings, could only be seen by a select few such as priests and those who were part of the kinship. That is why they were built so tall with only one entrance. By placing the camcorder directly on top ties it to the religious notion of why pyramids are slanted - the rays of the Sun God Ra angle to a focal point at the top which was the place of heaven. In this case, the Sony handycam is a "divine" object of eternal recording time. Furthermore, the pyramids seem to act as tripods for the cameras even though tripods have three legs and the pyramids have four sides.

Egyptian art has come a long way and will continue for the rest of modern civilization. It cannot be denied, ignored, or forgotten, for it is too precious and too important to let go. Egyptian art must therefore be embraced and continued.

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