Browsing by Subject "sculpture"

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Open Access
Greek influence in the anthropomorphic representation of deities in Hellenized Asia : Parthia, Nemrut Dağı, and Gandhara
(2003) Uçar, Funda Başak
This thesis analyzes the varying utilization of the Greek idea of anthropomorphic representation of deities in the Hellenized western Asia. In order to explore the different ways in which Greek models were absorbed and utilized by Eastern cultural and artistic traditions, three case studies are examined. Sculptural media is the focus, with subject matter, style, iconography, and patronage to be considered. The cultural, social, religious, and political circumstances are investigated to obtain insight about the nature and reasons of borrowings from the Greek artistic repertoire. The first case study is Parthian art. The Parthians were selective in their adaptation. The Greek language was used for administration along with Aramaic and the Parthians struck coins in Greek fashion. In contrast, in the few sculptural examples surviving from the Parthian period, the influence of Greek art is not attested. The second case study is Nemrut Dağı, a mountaintop sanctuary in Commagene. In the sculptural decoration of the monument, Greek religious repertoire and iconography are used extensively together with Persian elements in the visual expression of the political propaganda of the Commagene dynasty. The third case study is Gandharan art. Here, Greek artistic principles were adapted and incorporated into the local artistic tradition in the creation of the Buddha image in anthropomorphic form, unique to the region. In this study it is suggested that the intensive production of the Buddha images in the reign of the Kushan dynasty might be due to the aim to unite the people under their rule and to show their royal patronage. These three cultures had direct relations with Greek art. Each, however, responded differently to this interaction. In the course of this thesis, it is observed that the main factor behind the varying utilization of Greek artistic principles is politics. The kingdoms in the lands conquered by Alexander the Great used Greek art for political propaganda.
Open Access
Karkamıs in the first millennium BC : sculpture and propaganda
(2004) Günaydın, Kadriye
This thesis examines how the monumental art of Karkamiš, which consists of architectural reliefs and free-standing colossal statues, was used by its rulers for their propaganda advantages. The basic geo-politic and ethnic factors related to Karkamiš and other “Syro-Hittite” city-states of the Iron Age are investigated in order to obtain insights about the meanings assigned to the monumental sculpture of Karkamiš. Architectural remains of the city and their sculptural decoration are studied and reviewed to provide a basis for subsequent discussions and statements. Monumental portal-lions, inscribed door-jambs and other reliefs placed on principal gate-ways, bearers of symbolic and functional meaning, demonstrate the essential role of these monumental gates for the city and its rulers to announce their ideologies. A close analysis of local monumental inscriptions provides us the link between the content of texts inscribed on large stone blocks and the themes represented on orthostat reliefs. Royal titles inscribed on monuments as well as a group of reliefs and statues associated with ancestral cult were used deliberately by the dynasties and rulers of the 1st millennium B.C. Karkamiš to show their own and their state’s connection to the past heritage, a key element in the search of identity. This case study on the Iron Age city of Karkamiš reveals the importance of socio-political factors in forming the basic characteristics of monumental art and in creating its special meanings and functions.