The Mesopotamians - Essay Example

The MesopotamiansThe Mesopotamians had a generally pessimistic view of life. How do the arts of their civilization reveal this? Use at least one example to illustrate your points. The Mesopotamians had a pessimistic view of life because of the uncertainty in their lives. They were uncertain because of how land their land was open and the rivers were difficult to control. This pessimistic view of life was reflected even in some of their art. They revealed their pessimism through hiding statues and other arts about the things they were pessimistic about in their culture.

They had a pessimistic view even of their gods. They viewed them as caprious and had to constantly struggle with their whims. This affected their art and especially when designing their temples. The designing and art work of the temples were in such a way that the statues of their gods were hidden or interrupted. This way, they became distant and difficult to be seen (Curatola, 2007). What other features of this culture does the art reveal?Other than the pessimism revealed in the art of the Mesopotamians, other features that the culture’s art reveal depend on the type of art being made.

The art indicating nudity revealed that frailty and destitution of those individuals killed or enslaved in war. Vases on the other hand revealed that the Mesopotamians were people who presented offerings to their goddess during important ceremonies like marriages. The art also revealed that they valued and respected their rulers and leaders and this was depicted in arts of their leaders once they died.ReferencesCuratola, Giovanni. (2007). The art and architecture of Mesopotamia. New York: Abbeville Press.