Draw an Egyptian queen. How to draw Egypt with a pencil step by step. Ancient Egypt: painting rules

As a result of the unification of the Lower and Upper kingdoms by 3000 BC. e. happened ancient state. According to the calculation of the priest Manetho, there were thirty dynasties. The state developed in all directions. The art of ancient Egypt was especially actively improved. Let's briefly consider its main features.

General information

How did the art of ancient Egypt express its ideas? In short, its purpose was to serve the needs of the then-existing religion. First of all, this applied to the state and funeral cult of the pharaoh. His image was deified. This is confirmed by the drawings of Ancient Egypt that have come down to the present day. In general, the ideas were expressed in a strict canonical form. However, art has undergone an evolution that has reflected changes in both the spiritual and political life states.

Main results of development

In ancient Egypt, quite a lot of classical architectural types and forms were formed. These, in particular, include such elements as a column, an obelisk, a pyramid. New types have emerged visual arts. Relief has become quite popular. Quite interesting and ancient Egypt. Local art institutions were formed.

At this time, many creative individuals appeared. Ancient Egyptian artists comprehended and implemented the basic means of plastic arts into a system. In particular, supports and ceilings, mass and volume appeared in architecture.

The wall paintings of Ancient Egypt included a silhouette, a line, a plane, color spots. There was a certain rhythm in the images. The textures of wood and stone began to be used in sculpture. It is also important that over time a canonized form was formed, in accordance with which a human figure was depicted on a plane. She was shown in profile (legs, arms and face) and frontal (shoulders and eyes) at the same time.

Main principles

The main canons in the art of Ancient Egypt began to take shape in the period 3000-2800 BC. e. The architecture of that time acquired a leading role. She was quite closely connected with the afterlife. The architecture was dominated by the principles of static and monumentality. They embodied the idea of ​​the superhuman greatness of the Egyptian Pharaoh and the inviolability of the social order. These canons had a great influence on other spheres of culture as well. In particular, the painting and sculpture of Ancient Egypt were distinguished by static and symmetry, geometric generalization, and strict frontality.

The next stage of development

From 2800 to 2250 BC e. previously formed artistic techniques began to acquire stylistic perfection. A new architectural form of the Pharaoh's tomb was developed. The geometric simplicity of the pyramid was used. Its forms, combined with its enormous size, created an architectural image full of superhuman, aloof grandeur. The ceremonial orderliness and hierarchy of Egyptian society is reflected in the strict rows of mastaba-shaped tombs, funeral temples, connected to the entrance pavilions by covered long corridors, in the majestic figure of the sphinx. Drawings of Ancient Egypt in the tombs illustrated a prosperous life in the realm of the dead. The paintings show a sense of rhythm, keen observation, characteristic of artists, the beauty of the silhouette, contour line and color spot.

A period of brilliance

It falls on the era of the New Kingdom. Thanks to successful campaigns in Asia, the life of the nobility acquired exceptional luxury. And if during the period dramatic images prevailed, now refined aristocratic forms began to be used. Architectural trends of the past era have also been developed. So, the temple in Deir el-Bahri (Queen Hatshepsut) is a whole complex deployed in space. It is partially carved into the rocks. Protodoric columns and cornices, with their strict lines and reasonable order, contrast with the chaotic crevices in the rocks. Painting and become more graceful. This can be seen in the softly modeled statues, reliefs, murals. Stone processing has become thinner. Particularly popular was the in-depth relief using the play of chiaroscuro. The drawings of Ancient Egypt acquired the freedom of angles and movements, the elegance of colorful combinations. Landscape began to appear in the images. In the ground temples, an open courtyard surrounded by a colonnade, a hypostyle with papyrus-shaped or lotus-shaped columns were used as the main elements.

Drawings of Ancient Egypt

The images reflect the versatility of the talents of people of that era. At all times of the Kingdom, drawings of the gods of Ancient Egypt were common. Religious themes were traced in all areas of culture. Drawings of the gods adorned sarcophagi, tombs, temples. Kingdom dwellers believed that earthly existence was only a stage before death, followed by immortal life. Drawings of Ancient Egypt were supposed to glorify the deceased. The images contained motifs of moving the deceased to the dead kingdom (the court of Osiris). They also illustrated the earthly life of man. So he could do the same thing in the realm of the dead as on earth.

statues

The sculptural portrait was distinguished by a special development. In accordance with the idea of ​​the people of that era, the statues were twins of the dead. Sculptures served as receptacles for the souls of the dead. The statues were quite clearly divided into types. For example, a walking person was depicted, putting his foot forward or sitting with crossed limbs. Portrait statues, solemnly static, are distinguished by the accuracy and clarity of the transmission of the most significant characteristic features, as well as the social status of the person being portrayed. At the same time, carefully Jewelry, folds on clothes, hats and wigs.

Features of technical execution

For almost four centuries, the painting of Egypt was subject to strict canons. They were caused not only by the imperfection of technology, but also by the requirements of existing customs. Artists made mistakes in perspective. In this regard, ancient images are more like a map of the area. At the same time, the figures in the background were greatly enlarged.

The Egyptians used soot, black charcoal, white limestone (yellow or red) to apply the pattern to the surface. They also had blue and green colors. They were obtained using copper ore. The Egyptians mixed the paints with a viscous liquid, then divided them into pieces. Wetting them with water, they painted. To preserve the image, it was covered with varnish or resin on top. The painting of Egypt was distinguished by its brightness and brilliance. However, there were not so many paintings in palaces, temples, tombs.

Finally

It should be said that, despite the rather large variety of colors for that era, the transfer of shadows, shades and light was very conditional. On examination, it can be noted that the drawings of the ancient Egyptians lacked realism. Nevertheless, despite certain inaccuracies and errors, the images have a rather deep meaning. Their significance confirms the position that man occupied in art.

The most important means of expressing Egyptian art was wall painting. Most often, the Egyptians made their "drawings" on the wall with bas-reliefs. The placement of such drawings and reliefs was subject to strict norms and canons dictated by the priests. The drawings of Ancient Egypt served for its inhabitants as nothing more than a "double of reality" - a reflection of their life.

Ancient Egypt: the meaning of the drawings

Why did the Egyptians make their drawings so detailed, invested in them great amount time and the best resources? There is an answer. In ancient Egypt, the main purpose of painting was to immortalize the life of the deceased in the afterlife. Therefore, Egyptian art does not reproduce any emotions and landscapes.
The Egyptians applied painting mainly on the walls of tombs, tombs, temples and various objects that had a funerary or sacred significance.

Ancient Egypt: painting rules

The scenes that are depicted on the walls always correspond to the hieroglyphs attached to them, they kind of explain the essence of the whole image.
The most important rule of the artists of Ancient Egypt is to correctly depict each of the parts of the body so that it is easily distinguishable and perfect. It should be noted that the Egyptians drew exclusively in profile, but the eye was always made in full face, all for the same reason - to make it correct, because if it is drawn in profile, its image is distorted, which was unacceptable.
In order for all the proportions of the human body to be observed, the artists first drew a grid, and then figures with the correct dimensions.
The idealization of figures is directly proportional social status the person shown in the picture. So, for example, he is depicted forever young, he himself is motionless and imperturbable (the Egyptians had a rule: the stronger the depicted motionless, the higher his social status). Also characteristic of painting is the size factor - the higher a person stood in society, the larger he is in the picture, for example - the pharaoh does not seem like a giant when compared with soldiers.
Animals, on the other hand, were depicted the other way around - alive, moving fast.
Each color that was applied to the wall had its own specific symbolism. Mostly bright colors were applied, especially in places where daylight hit, but dark tombs also boasted bright images.
Green color meant vitality, black - black earth, white - a sign of joy and victory, yellow - the eternal power of the gods, blue - the sea and eternal life.

You will need

• - aged or plain paper;
• - a simple pencil;
• - eraser;
• - paints (tempera, gouache, watercolor).

Instruction

To depict an Egyptian, it is best to take as a basis precisely the ancient Egyptian canon of the image. Draw a person standing in full height. To do this, draw a vertical line and divide it into 18 segments. Plot the proportions of the human body on this line: the head is 3 parts, the body is 5 parts, and the remaining 10 parts are occupied by the legs.

According to the Egyptian canons, the head is always drawn in profile, but the eyes on the faces of the Egyptians are depicted in front. Draw a characteristic Egyptian profile with a low, flat forehead, covered or bandaged, with a neat, straight, slightly elongated nose and puffy lips. At the bridge of the nose, draw a large almond-shaped eye with a round black pupil covered by the upper eyelid. Outline the eye with a thick black stroke around the entire outline.

Above the eye, draw a wide curved black eyebrow, following the shape of the eye. At the level of the nose, approximately in the middle of the head turned in profile, draw a large ear (although it can be hidden under hair or a headdress). Depict the hair with a thick, very voluminous black mop to the shoulders (y), framing the face like a “square”. You can emphasize individual strands with wavy lines.

Draw the neck and torso broad shoulders with both depict in front, and everything below - in profile. The length of the arms, according to the Egyptian canon, is approximately 8 divisions of the scale of human growth. Your Egyptian can hold something in his hands (for example, a thin long rod or spear), draw long fingers, convey their movement. The arms can be bent or straightened. Draw the legs in profile too. With the general sketchiness of drawing using the canons, the line should be quite lively and plastic, revealing the shape of strong muscles, knee, and lower leg. Feet draw large, barefoot.

The clothes of an Egyptian can only be a white loincloth tied at the waist to the knees (skhenti) and a wide round collar-necklace made of beads and beads, covering upper part chest - uskh. Decorate the collar with an ornament of stripes. On the loincloth, outline the thin graphic lines of the folds.

Very important in this picture is its color scheme. Use canonical colors for ancient Egyptian art: to convey a dark skin tone, take a terracotta color, make the background uniform, warm ocher, the color of golden sand, and paint the ornamental elements on the collar and staff in turquoise blue.

The drawing can be given more completeness and authenticity if you do not copy on it a few Egyptian hieroglyphs and images of animals or birds revered in Egypt, such as an ibis or a falcon. Arrange these details in the form of an ornament on the background. Animals or birds may also be depicted in the hands of an Egyptian.

Ancient Egyptian queen, wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep IV, known in history under the name of Akhenaten. In 1912, poetic, delicate sculptural portraits of Nefertiti, created by the master Tutmes, were found in Amarna. Stored in the museums of Cairo and Berlin.

One can only be surprised at the unusual historical fate of Queen Nefertiti. For thirty-three centuries, her name was forgotten, and when the brilliant French scientist F. Champollion deciphered ancient Egyptian writings at the beginning of the last century, she was mentioned quite rarely and only in special academic works.

The 20th century, as if demonstrating the quirkiness of human memory, elevated Nefertiti to the pinnacle of glory. Initially, her bust was discovered by the team of the Egyptologist L. Borchard and taken to Germany (where it is now stored); to hide it from the Egyptian customs, it was specially smeared with plaster. In his archaeological diary, opposite the sketch of the monument, Borchardt wrote only one phrase: "It is pointless to describe - you have to look."

Later in 1933, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture demanded it back to Egypt, but Germany refused to return it, then the German Egyptologists were prohibited from excavating. Second World War and the persecution of Borchard's wife because of her Jewish heritage prevented the archaeologist from continuing his research to the fullest. Egypt officially demands the return of the exported bust of Nefertiti from Germany.

Nefertiti plays senet.

It was recently discovered that the bust of the beautiful Nefertiti has a late " plastic surgery» plaster. Initially molded with a “potato” nose, etc., it was later corrected and began to be considered the standard of Egyptian beauty. It is not yet known whether the original image of Nefertiti was closer to the original and later embellished, or vice versa, the subsequent completion improved the inaccuracies of the original work ... Only a study of the mummy of Nefertiti herself, if it is discovered, can prove this. Prior to genetic research in February 2010, Egyptologists speculated that Nefertiti's mummy could be one of two female mummies found in tomb KV35. However, in the light new information this hypothesis is rejected.

One of the archaeologists, who for a number of years led the excavations in Akhetaton, writes about the legend of the locals. Allegedly, at the end of the 19th century, a group of people descended from the mountains, carrying a golden coffin; soon after that, several gold items with the name of Nefertiti appeared in antiquaries. This information could not be verified.
Who really was the famous Nefertiti - "The Come Beauty" (as her name is translated)? From the beginning of research and excavations in the ruins of Akhetaton (modern Tel el-Amarna) in the 80s of the 19th century, no clear evidence of the origin of Nefertiti has been found to date. Only mentions on the walls of the tombs of the pharaoh's family and nobles give some information about her. It was the inscriptions in the tombs and the cuneiform tablets of the Amarna archive that helped Egyptologists build several hypotheses about where the queen was born. There are several versions in modern Egyptology, each of which claims to be true, but is not sufficiently confirmed by sources to take a leading position.

Artur Braginsky.

In general, the views of Egyptologists can be divided into 2 versions: some consider Nefertiti an Egyptian, others - a foreign princess. The hypothesis that the queen was not of noble birth and accidentally appeared at the throne is now rejected by most Egyptologists. Legends say that never before has Egypt produced such a beauty. She was called "Perfect"; her face adorned temples all over the country.

Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

According to the social status of her time, she was the “main wife” (Ancient Egyptian Himet-Waret (ḥjm.t-wr.t)) of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the XVIII dynasty of Akhenaten (c. 1351-1334 BC), whose reign was marked by a large-scale religious reform. The role of the queen herself in carrying out the “solar-worshiping coup” is debatable.

Egyptian women owned the secrets of unusual cosmetic recipes, which were secretly passed from mother to daughter, they were also skilled in matters of love, especially considering that they began to learn at a very young age - six or seven years old. In a word, lack of beautiful women in Egypt it was not, on the contrary, the entire ancient elite knew that a worthy wife should be sought on the banks of the Nile. One day, the Babylonian ruler, who proposed to the daughter of the pharaoh, was refused. Frustrated, he wrote an offended letter to his failed father-in-law: "Why are you doing this to me? There are enough beautiful daughters in Egypt. Find me a beauty according to your taste. Here (meaning Babylonia.) No one will notice that she is not of royal blood."

Among so many worthy contenders, the ascent of Nefertiti seems incredible, almost fabulous. She, of course, came from a noble family, was (possibly) a close relative of her husband's nurse, and the rank of nurse in the Egyptian hierarchy was quite high. Possibly the daughter of the nobleman Aye, one of Akhenaten's associates, later pharaoh, and probably Akhenaten's cousin. In the royal palace, they preferred to take the closest relatives - nieces, sisters and even their own daughters - in order to preserve the "purity of blood".

I must say that the husband of Nefertiti stood out from a long line royal dynasty. The reign of Amenhotep IV entered the history of Egypt as a time of "religious reforms". This extraordinary man was not afraid to fight the most powerful force of his state - the priestly caste, which, through its mystical, mysterious knowledge, kept both the elite and the people of Egypt in fear. Priests, using complex cult rites of numerous gods, gradually seized the leading position in the country. But Amenhotep IV turned out to be not at all one of those rulers who give up their power. And he declared war on the priestly caste.

With a single order, he, no less, canceled the former god Amun and appointed a new one - Aton, and at the same time moved the capital of Egypt from Thebes to a new place, built new temples, crowning them with sculptural colossi of Aton-Ra, and renamed himself Akhenaten, which meant "Pleasant to the Aten". One can only imagine what enormous efforts the new pharaoh needed to break the minds of the whole country in order to win this dangerous war with the clergy. And, of course, as in any battle, Akhenaten needed a reliable ally. Apparently, he found such an ally - faithful to him, smart, strong - in the face of his wife - Nefertiti.

After marrying Nefertiti, the king forgot his harem, he never let go of his young wife. Contrary to all the rules of decency, for the first time a woman began to attend diplomatic receptions, Akhenaten did not hesitate to publicly consult with Nefertiti. Even when leaving to check the outposts around the city, the pharaoh took his wife with him, and the guard now reported not only to the lord, but also to his wife. The worship of Nefertiti transcended all limits. Her huge, majestic statues adorned every Egyptian city.

Temple of Nefertiti, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Egypt.

It is unlikely that only the art of love and irresistible beauty can explain the immense influence of Nefertiti on the pharaoh. You can, of course, assume witchcraft. But we prefer a more realistic explanation of the success of the Egyptian queen - her truly royal wisdom and fanatical devotion to her husband, while we note that, according to our concepts, the omnipotent Nefertiti was very young in age, or, more simply, just a girl.

Nefertiti with the gods and Amenhotep IV.

There were, of course, intrigues, and envy, and intrigues of those who could not understand in any way: why a woman rules the state and replaces high-ranking advisers to the pharaoh. However, most of the nobles, as at all times, preferred not to quarrel with the wife of the ruler, and gifts and offerings of petitioners rained down on Nefertiti as if from a cornucopia. But here, too, a beautiful woman showed wisdom and dignity. She worked only for those who, in her opinion, could benefit her beloved husband, who could justify the trust of the pharaoh.

It seemed that Nefertiti's happiness is immeasurable, but fate does not infinitely favor even the rare chosen ones. The trouble came from that side, from where it was not expected. An ancient Egyptian woman gave birth by sitting on two bricks. The midwives held her back. It was believed that birthing bricks would help ease childbirth and bring happiness. On each of them was carved the head of the goddess Meshenit, who helped the baby to be born. Every time, sitting down on the bricks, Nefertiti begged Aton to grant them an heir. But in such a case, unfortunately, neither ardent love for her husband, nor wisdom, nor almighty gods could help. Nefertiti gave birth to six daughters, but the long-awaited son was not there.

Akhenaten, Nefertiti and three daughters. Cairo Museum.

It was then that the envious and enemies of the unfortunate queen raised their heads. human age in ancient Egypt was short - 28-30 years. Death could take away the pharaoh at any moment, and then the state was left without a direct heir to power. There were well-wishers who introduced Akhenaten to a beautiful concubine - Kia. It seemed that the power of Nefertiti had come to an end. But it's not so easy to forget your old love, even if you want something new, more thrilling. Akhenaten rushes from one woman to another: every now and then he goes from the chambers of Kia to his former beloved, and each time a warm welcome awaits him. But Nefertiti, apparently, being a strong-willed conceited woman, could not forgive the betrayal. External courtesy could not deceive the pharaoh, he knew what he was capable of true love. And he returned to Kia again. This did not last long. The chatter of the new concubine finally brought Akhenaten out of himself - he had someone to compare his rival with.

Kia was returned to the harem. She tried to resist, urged her husband to return, apparently fell into the usual female tantrums. Only after the eunuch severely punished her with whips did she calm down, realizing that the royal favors had come to an end. They will never again be in the same relationship - Nefertiti and Akhenaten. Past love could not be glued together, but even in this situation, Nefertiti came up with a way out, demonstrating a truly state mind. Nefertiti's act will seem wild to us, of course, but do not forget that we are talking about Ancient Egypt. Nefertiti offered Akhenaten their third daughter, the young Ankhesenamun, as a wife, and she herself taught her the art of love, the love that always ignited the pharaoh so much.

Daughters of Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

The story, of course, is sad, but the circumstances turn out to be stronger than a man. Three years later, Ankhesenamun was widowed. She was in her eleventh year, and she was again given in marriage to the great Tutankhamen. The capital was again returned to Thebes, the country again began to worship the god Amun-Ra. And only Nefertiti, true to her former passions, remained in Akhenaton, from which life was slowly and gradually leaving. It is known for certain that Nefertiti's lips smelled of rust. Indeed, in the time of the pharaohs, beauties used a mixture of beeswax and minium. And red lead is nothing but iron oxide! The color turned out beautiful, but the kiss became poisonous.

The queen died, the city was completely deserted, and they buried her, as she asked, in the tomb with Akhenaten. And after thirty centuries, her image seemed to have risen from the ashes, disturbing our imagination and forcing us to think again and again about the secret of beauty: what is it - "she is a vessel in which there is emptiness, or a fire flickering in a vessel?"

Tomb of Nefertiti. Lobby

How to draw an Egyptian with a pencil step by step? It won't be too hard if you follow the instructions in this tutorial. In ancient Egypt, fashion played no less a role than in modern world. The Egyptians developed their own unique style. Going to visit, they put on wigs made of sheep's wool. Women wore knee-length linen dresses with ties at the neck. Jewelry was made of silver and gold. Wealthy ladies were hung with precious necklaces (uskhs). Women painted their lips and cheeks with red ocher and lined their eyebrows and eyelids with thin sticks. special paint. Women of Ancient Egypt used fragrant oil, which was produced from precious woods, flowers, and vegetable or animal fat. Such perfumes not only had a marvelous aroma, but also moisturized the skin.

The lower part of the pattern is built on the shape of the skirt, and the upper part is built on the frame. The skirt is drawn using large and small
ovals. Take a close look at the silhouette, shape, and pattern that adorns the costume, as well as the background. If you want to color your drawing, take colored pencils, because felt-tip pens can smear the outlines of the drawing.

With almost no pressure, draw a large, slightly inclined oval, tapering towards right side. Above it, at a leg-length distance, draw a smaller oval and connect the edges of the skirt. Add a line of the spine, a circle of the head, a chin pointing down, and put a cross on the head. Mark the circumference of the chest and the line of the shoulders across it. draw a line right hand, pubescent down, and the left hand, perpendicular to the spine. Add articulations and contours of the hands.	Construct the outline of the figure on the frame. Outline the face, neck and hairline. First draw the shoulders, then the chest and. Add a belt at the waist.
With a blacker and smoother stroke, define the outline. Draw on the head a hoop with a medallion, earrings and a strand of hair. On both sides of the cross draw the eyes looking down, and then the nose and mouth. Add a round collar, pendant, curved necklace and armholes. Draw an open palm with a stone. Draw two vertical lines from the waist. Outline the wavy edge of the skirt and the folds at the bottom.	Please note that for painting the figure are used different types hatching. Apply a subtle design to the locket, earrings, collar and pendant. Draw a snake bracelet on the hand and a pattern on the skirt. Add a cape on the shoulders. With soft strokes, outline the texture of the hair, the folds on the chest, skirt and cape. Shade the hair, necklace, belt and inside of the cloak with a medium gray color. Paint over the body and folds of the skirt with a lighter color. Draw the features and with the help of hatching add volume to the stone. Draw the outlines of the arch around the woman's figure, and then the steps. And when hieroglyphs, pyramids and a vessel appear on your drawing, your Egyptian will be able to receive guests!