Analysis of Stokstad's Art History Survey: The Art of the Ancient Near East
Overview
This paper reviews Stokstad's art history survey covering Ancient Near Eastern civilizations from 5000 BCE to 312 BCE. The author evaluates Stokstad's approach to presenting multiple cultures, materials, and historical details, highlighting the survey's strengths in its comprehensive documentation and intriguing introduction to ancient artifacts and historical context.
What this reflection paper covers
- Introduction to Stokstad's survey approach and exploration of multiple cultures and time periods
- Analysis of notable archaeological materials and art objects including the Warka head, Warka temple, and Akkadian copper sculpture
- Discussion of significant historical details regarding Mesopotamian civilizations, the Amorites, Babylon, and Assyrian control
Preview
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“The Art of the Ancient Near East” - Stokstad
Stokstad's Art history survey is impressive. The most exciting aspect I like about Stokstad, an art professor, is how she gives a historically detailed introduction and various materials filled with unique features in "The Art of the Ancient Near East". She explores multiple materials. Stokstad starts by showcasing different cultures and periods, such as the Sumerians (5000 BCE to 26CE) and the Babylonians (2200 BCE). The documentation also includes the Assyrians (900-800 BCE), the Persians (515BCE), and the New-Babylonian (605-312 BCE).
I also liked some of the notable materials or art objects. The first material is the Warka head in the Iraq museum found between 3300-3000 BCE. The second material is the white or Warka temple ruins in Iraq found between 3300-3000BCE (Stokstad). Other materials are the Uruk vase, votive figures, Nanna Ziggurat, the stele of Naram-sin, and the Great Lye with a bull’s head. Another specific historical mention I liked was the Akkad located in northern Uruk, spoke a Semitic language, and ruled Mesopotamia. The material that I also found quite intriguing was the copper sculpture of an Akkadian ruler's head.
Stokstad also mentions notable historical details. For example, Mesopotamia re-united with the Amorites in 1750 BCE to form Babylon under a written legal code. Assyria also controlled Mesopotamia by the end of the 9th century, performed good irrigation, and built good brick capitals using limestone. I found these details very fascinating.