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WA1. Compare and Contrast: The Statue of Memi and Sabu and The Seated Statue of Gudea

Statement

In an essay compare and contrast the sculptures below, considering the effect the intended purpose or function has on the appearance of the sculptures.

Answer

Art is an interesting expression of some human thoughts or ideas, whether they are real or imaginary, abstract or concrete. Artworks are usually serving a function that is tightly related to the historical/social/cultural context in which they emerge. Artworks can take different shapes and forms, from paintings, music, and sculptures, to books and movies.

Comparing two artworks may vary depending on the type of art and other characteristics surrounding the artwork, which may change the details of the comparison greatly. However, Khan Academy (2023) suggests a common approach that can be used to compare artworks; this approach includes the following aspects: Physical form, conservation, context, subject matter, function, visual analysis, and other aspects. Each of these aspects can spawn a subset of questions or other aspects that can be used to compare the artworks. For example, Visual analysis can be broken down into scale, composition, line, color, light, texture and pattern.

In this essay, we will compare two sculptures: the Statue of Memi and Sabu (The King’s Acquaintances Memi and Sabu, 2022) and the Seated Statue of Gudea (Statue of Gudea, 2021). Both sculptures belong to the same geographical region (Middle East) despite belonging to different political and cultural contexts and periods (Gudea was created almost 400 years after Memi and Sabu).

Physical Form: refers to the material that was used in building the sculptures. The Statue of Memi and Sabu is made of limestone, while the Seated Statue of Gudea is made of diorite. The difference can be attributed to the availability of materials in the region and technological advancements during that period.

Conversation: refers to the techniques that are used to preserve the statues from environmental and human factors. The Diorite material used in the Seated Statue of Gudea is more durable than limestone, which is used in the Statue of Memi and Sabu; thus, Guenda’s statue is better preserved and this can be seen as even the lettering on the statue is still visible (The King’s Acquaintances Memi and Sabu, 2022).

Context: refers to the historical and cultural context in which the sculptures were created. The Seated Statue of Gudea was created during the Neo-Sumerian period (around 2100-2000 BCE) while the Statue of Memi and Sabu was created during the Old Kingdom period (around 2700-2200 BCE); both sculptures were created in a period of political stability and economic prosperity.

Subject Matter: refers to the main characters or elements in the statues. The Seated Statue of Gudea represents a successful ruler who is loved by Gods and displays him praying to those Gods. The Statue of Memi and Sabu represent two non-royal humans male and female, standing next to each other (The King’s Acquaintances Memi and Sabu, 2022).

Function: refers to the intended purpose of the sculptures. The Seated Statue of Gudea was created to honor the ruler and to be placed in temples, thus it has a religious function and it has text written on it that documents some prayers (Statue of Gudea, 2021). The Statue of Memi and Sabu was created to praise the **intimate relationship** between the two, but it has no function related to the individuals presented in the status as they are unknown figures (The King’s Acquaintances Memi and Sabu, 2022).

Composition: refers to how the sculptures are arranged and organized. The Seated Statue of Gudea is seated and praying which gives a calm and peaceful feeling, while the Statue of Memi and Sabu is standing and looking forward expressing the happiness and hope that the two individuals have.

Scale: refers to the size of the sculptures. The Seated Statue of Gudea scale is (H. 44 × W. 21.5 × D. 29.5 cm), while the Statue of Memi and Sabu scale is (H. 62 × W. 24.5 × D. 16 cm) which is a bit larger, but both statues are close to the human size.

Color: refers to the colors used in the sculptures. The Seated Statue of Gudea is dark green due to the diorite material used in its construction, while the Statue of Memi and Sabu is lighter with a beige color as it is made of limestone.

Here is a table that summarizes the comparison between the two sculptures:

Aspect Statue of Memi and Sabu Seated Statue of Gudea
Physical Form Limestone Diorite
Conversation Less durable More durable
Context Old Kingdom Neo-Sumerian
Subject Matter Non-royal humans Successful ruler
Function Praise relationship Honor ruler
Composition Standing Seated
Scale H. 62 × W. 24.5 × D. 16 cm H. 44 × W. 21.5 × D. 29.5 cm
Color Beige Dark green

To conclude, We noticed some differences and similarities between the two sculptures, but we also saw that the purpose, geographical and historical contexts have a great impact on the appearance and the details of the sculptures. The Seated Statue of Gudea represents a noble and successful ruler who is loved by the Gods, while the Statue of Memi and Sabu represents two unknown individuals who have a close relationship; despite the vast difference between these people, both sculptures are extraordinary pieces of art that deserve to be studied and appreciated.

Word Count: 892 words.

References

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