Introduction
The two statues symbolize leaders with military power. Also, they bestow leadership upon men. The statues also portray religious practices in the period between 704BC and 580BC. Furthermore, they define the military features of the period. However, it is necessary to note that the two statues show differences in the development of the areas represented.
For instance, the Romans used bronze to model their statue while the Nubians used granite. This shows that the Romans were more advanced in the field of sculpture than the Nubians. Other differences include cladding, among others. For instance, the Nubians clad their statues better than the Romans.
Additionally, the Nubians’ statues were more aesthetic than the Romans’. Also, the bronze statue is more realistic than the granite one. Moreover, the bronze statue is more dramatic than the granite one. Also, the former is more concerned with narrative than the latter. However, the Nubian statue represents history more than the Roman statue.
Statue of King Aspelta, Egypt, 600-580 BC, granite
Aspelta was the most famous king of Kush. His rule was characterized by the development of numerous carvings, which included statues, pendants, beads, cylinder sheaths, and cartouches, among others. King Aspelta’s statue is 11 feet in height (about 3.3 meters). The statue was made during King Aspelta’s reign (between 600 and 580 BC). The statue was reconstructed after its breakage into different pieces.
It was buried at Jebel Barkal. The statue was made of granite gneiss. It was curved in the image of the king standing in his crown. The statue was carved to show a masculine king with his breastplate on the chest. The statue stands on a rectangular base, which is about 3 feet high. Also, the crown has a rectangular plate, which is about 3 feet high on top of the head with inscriptions on it.
The image is curved with both hands holding a cylindrical sheath. Moreover, the statue is endowed with curved clothing, which is painted in gold. The wrapper starts from its waist right to the statue’s feet above the knees. Also, the statue has beautifications on the upper right hand and both feet. It is also necessary to note that it has carvings on the forehead, which protrude in the shape of animal heads.
The rectangular cartouche on the top of the crown is suave, and there are four semicircular shapes at its top. The cartouche is placed on a circular base above the crown, which is in the shape of the helmet. The whole statue is smooth right from its head to foot. Moreover, its face is made to simulate a smiling king. However, the statue is dark, which may be attributed to the dark countenance of the Nubians.
Hercules, 704-681 BC, Rome, bronze
Hercules was discovered in Ancient Rome when his temple was destroyed between 1471 and 1484. It is very likely that it was utilized as a cult image in the 6th century BC. The bronze statue is just over 2.41 meters tall. It is modeled to resemble a figure of a tall, powerful and handsome male. The statue holds a big rugged club in its right hand. The statue holds a cloth in the left hand.
It is postured in a relaxed state. The modeled statue looks sideways, and its eyes are focused on the nearby objects. The statue has a wide and big chest, which signifies its strength. In essence, it portrays a very powerful male. The statue is naked with every part of its body shown. Its arms are strong and big. Moreover, it has a thick neck with a handsome face.
The statue resembles the one who has undergone military training as well as aerobics, which normally shows the strength of one’s muscles. The statue has a golden color with black patches on its left leg, knee, and right thigh. It also has a black patch on its private part. Besides, it has other patches on the body, which may be attributed to the falling off paint.
Its rugged club also shows the crooked weapon that had been used during that era. Moreover, the fact that the figure is naked, yet it holds a cloth, may reflect the kind of social culture of that time. Besides, it may also be attributed to the religious beliefs at the time given that it was found in a temple. The fact that it is made in gold color may mean that the people associated with it were of white countenance.
Discussion
The statues have numerous similarities and differences. Moreover, they point to the ages when they were modeled. For instance, those ages were full of idol worship as portrayed by the two statues. These models were full of history and religion in the cultures they were modeled. For instance, they were both made tall and outstanding among people of that era.
It can be noted that the two statues portrayed narratives of people’s power and religion. Moreover, they represent people’s heroism and strength. It can be noted that the effigy in bronze is more dramatic than that of granite because it shows a naked body of a masculine hero. The figure resembles a man endowed with exquisiteness and strength, the symbol of its people. It also signifies people who were strong and courageous.
However, the statue of granite shows a tall man, god-like and powerful yet this is not shown through its masculine features. It shows the one who got his power from the gods but not by his strength. The dramatic nature of the bronze statue is epitomized in the showing of its private parts, yet it holds a cloth in the left arm. Moreover, its face does not show an expression of shame or concern over its nakedness.
Moreover, it is also legendary in its narration. The club it holds shows a legendary state of the statue. That makes it more dramatic than the one of granite. Again, it is more naturalistic than that of granite. It is proved by its resemblance to a human being, which is more than that of the granite. However, in terms of history, the granite model is more natural since the king’s existence is represented in Kush’s history.
However, Hercules is more of a legend who is only real to its worshipers. In essence, Hercules’ legendary status makes it more concerned with narratives than Aspelta’s naturalistic status. However, they both reflect the historical events of the past. For instance, ancient people adored heroes as can be observed in the statues.