Because Egyptian art followed such strict rules of representation, the style of it changed very little over the more than 3,000-year history of Egyptian art. Originality was not the motivating force in Egyptian artwork, rather following a strict rule of law and regulations was prized. The best artists were those who could copy the original most accurately. The subjects of Egyptian art are quite recognizable and include such images as Egyptian pyramids, hieroglyphs, stone carvings and sculptures. Though the images of Egyptian art are easily distinguished, what is most fascinating about Egyptian art is the reason behind creating such stunning and marvelous works.

Probably the best-known reason for the creation of Egyptian art is to give honor, praise and worship to not only the Egyptian gods, but the Egyptian pharos as well. It was a common belief in Egypt that the pharaoh was actually a god in human form, thus requiring similar devotion and respect from his subjects as they gave the gods. Therefore, realizing the importance within Egyptian art of depicting the subjects accurately, not straying from the traditions, the commonly repetitive images are easily understandable.

Whether it is the pyramids, stone carvings such as the sphinx, or even the representation of the common people, nearly all of the subjects within Egyptian art seek to direct the viewer’s attention to the greatness of the pharos. It is believed that the pyramids were built as elaborate grave tombs for the mummified pharos to assist him in his journey to the world beyond. Likewise, the art itself that adorned the tomb of the mummy was believed to help assist the dead pharos with his journey to the other side. Often times the artwork and stone carvings were accurate depictions of the king’s servants, which, essentially, provided the soul of the pharos with helpmates to travel with him. The more servants the pharos had with him in the afterlife, the more important it showed he was.

When viewing Egyptian art it is important to notice and understand the somewhat strangely distorted human figures. There is reasoning behind why the Egyptians carved a profile view of a head with two eyes and shoulders facing toward the viewer, when neither of these are true in a natural posture. It is not that the Egyptians were not capable of accurately depicting the profile view of a person, but rather they wanted to depict what they thought was most important. The head is most clearly seen in profile but the profile loses one eye, so the Egyptians felt it necessary to add the other. Likewise, the body, depicting strength, was carved facing the viewers, but they carve the arms extended toward the direction of the profile. It is a very unnatural posture, but shows the importance the Egyptians placed on arms and working. Like the arms, the legs of a person in Egyptian art share a similar strange movement. Though the body faces toward the viewer, the legs are in motion the same direction of the arms and profile, possibly also reinforcing the importance of movement and working for the glory of the pharos.