5-Minute Art History: Sumerian Art from Mesopotamia

I’ve had some great responses to my new video series, 5-Minute Art History, so I have filmed some more episodes! Today, I cover the art of Ancient Sumer which is one of the first-ever civilizations and responsible for a lot of our history’s firsts.

Watch the video, and then download the printable handout covering the conventions of Sumerian art from the Curated Connections Library.

Sumer Art Conventions

Time:

~4500 – 1750 B.C.E.

Place:

Mesopotamia

Key Points:

• First civilization
• Sumerians had many inventions include the wheel, writing, and more
• First written language = cuneiform
• Theocracy, the ruler was God and leader was God’s representative on earth
• City-states

Artistic Conventions:

• Hierarchical scale
• Stylized and geometric forms
• Manipulated and exaggerated proportion in art and features

Architecture:

• Ziggurat = stepped temple
• Creates a connection between heaven and earth
• Winding pattern of steps slows you down and prepares you for god
• Reflects important role of religion in people’s lives

Key Works:

• Tell Asmar Hoard
• The Standard of Ur
• The Ziggurat of Ur