Artwork analysis. Select one of the ancient cultures we’ve studied from the Sumerians, Egyptians, Hebrews, Persians, Greeks, Harappan/Indian or Chinese.

Artwork analysis

One of the best ways to learn about ancient civilizations is to study works of art that have survived into the present.

Select one of the ancient cultures we’ve studied from the Sumerians, Egyptians, Hebrews, Persians, Greeks, Harappan/Indian or Chinese.

Using Internet and library resources, search for examples of the art of that civilization. After looking at many examples, focus on a single work that strikes you as especially interesting, appealing, or informative.

In no more than 2 pages, describe the work and interpret it in the context of the civilization that produced it. What is the item? How was it made? Why was it made, and what was it for? Most importantly, describe what we can learn from this item about the civilization that produced it. What does it tell us about people’s lives, beliefs, or priorities?

Try to be thoughtful and creative as you examine this work of art. You’re looking at a valuable piece of historical evidence: use your imagination and draw your own conclusions about what it tells you.