Discuss the use and significance of proportion and scale in Benin sculpture

What will be an ideal response?


Like the rulers of ancient Egypt, Benin kings are viewed as sacred beings, which is common in many African societies. Art is employed to dramatize and support this concept of a sacred kingship. Royal altars were dedicated to the king's hand, a symbol of physical prowess. Hands are depicted around its base where they alternate with rams' heads. The king is shown seated atop the altar flanked by attendants in a symmetrical composition, which expresses a social hierarchy. The king is at the center and is portrayed larger than the other figures, which employs scale as an indication of importance. Proportionally, the king takes up one-third of his total height. Representations of the king manifest themselves through the use of proportion.

Art & Culture

You might also like to view...

Which of the following is NOT a shape implied in the structure of Le Corbusier's Notre Dame du Haut?

A. Praying hands B. Snail shell C. Dove D. Ship's hull

Art & Culture

Marcantonio Raimondi's The Judgment of Paris (16.28) is a(n) ____________

a. painting b. fresco c. sketch d. engraving

Art & Culture

What did Romans build to commemorate military triumphs?

A. Towers B. Temples C. Arches D. Sports arenas

Art & Culture

What are the two subplots that Tony Kushner gives the character of Roy Cohn inĀ Angels in America?

A. He has stolen money from one of his clients and he has AIDS. B. He is caught having an affair with Senator McCarthy's wife and is arrested for being intoxicated in public. C. He is caught having sex with a man and has taken bribes as a lawyer. D. He committed perjury and forgery.

Art & Culture