AP Art History : Near Eastern Sculpture
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Analyzing Near Eastern Sculpture
What was the function of The Stele of Hammurabi?
It listed a code of laws for the people under Hammurabi's rule to follow
It gave directions to the nearest kingdoms
It contained a listing of all of the people who lived in Hammurabi's kingdom
It issued a warning to any potential invaders to turn back, or else face Hammurabi's army
It told the origin story of the sun god, Shamash
It listed a code of laws for the people under Hammurabi's rule to follow
The Stele of Hammurabi lists out a code of laws for the people of Babylon to follow. There are over 300 law entries written out in the work.
Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi#/media/File:Milkau_Oberer_Teil_der_Stele_mit_dem_Text_von_Hammurapis_Gesetzescode_369-2.png
Example Question #1 : Near Eastern Sculpture
Which one of the following cannot be found in the Palette of King Narmer?
Composite pose
Animal symbolism
Hieroglyphic inscription
Hieratic scale
Atmospheric perspective
Atmospheric perspective
Hieratic scale is demonstrated by Narmer's overwhelming stature in comparison to the figures around him. Phonetic hieroglyphs at the center top of each side identify the name of the king. The bull symbolizes the power of the king. Many figures are portrayed in the composite pose: heads and legs are shown in profile while eyes and torsos are rendered frontally.
Example Question #2 : Near Eastern Sculpture
What medium was known for producing the Egyptian Blue sculptures of Ancient Egypt?
Ceramic
Turquoise
Terracotta
Faience
Lapis Lazuli
Faience
Faience is the glazed medium that is responsible for the Egyptian Blue found in many Egyptian sculptures. Though Lapis Lazuli is known for its ultramarine color, similar to faience, it was not used often due to its scarcity.
Example Question #1 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Near Eastern Sculpture
Who are the two people depicted in The Stele of Hammurabi?
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi#/media/File:Milkau_Oberer_Teil_der_Stele_mit_dem_Text_von_Hammurapis_Gesetzescode_369-2.png)
Shamash, the king, and the sun god Hammurabi.
Sargon, the king, and the sun god Ashur.
Hammurabi, the king, and the sun god Shamash.
Tutankhamen, the king, and the sun god Amun-Ra.
Alexander the Great, and the sun god Trajan.
Hammurabi, the king, and the sun god Shamash.
Depicted in this stele are the king, Hammurabi, and the sun god, Shamash. Shamash is shown here delivering the text of the message on the stele to Hammurabi.
Example Question #2 : Identifying Artists, Works, Or Schools Of Near Eastern Sculpture
What culture was The Stele of Hammurabi associated with?
Egyptians
Aztecs
Persians
Babylonians
Assyrians
Babylonians
The Stele of Hammurabi is associated with the Babylonians, and dates back to 1792-1750 BCE.
Image is in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi#/media/File:Milkau_Oberer_Teil_der_Stele_mit_dem_Text_von_Hammurapis_Gesetzescode_369-2.png
Example Question #1 : Near Eastern Sculpture
What is this object called?
Cuneiform writing
A cella
A ziggurat
An apadana
A stele
A stele
This is a stele, or a stone slab used as a site marker. This particular one (The Stele of Hammurabi) was put in a centralized meeting spot in town so that all could read its message.
Image in the public domain, accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_of_Hammurabi#/media/File:Milkau_Oberer_Teil_der_Stele_mit_dem_Text_von_Hammurapis_Gesetzescode_369-2.png
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