Comparison: Hip Pendant And Mask Of Agamemnon

1. In this week’s comparison, we are analyzing the faces of sculpted heads. The first face is Mask of Agamemnon, which dates to c. 1600 – 1550 BCE. This head is sculpted out of gold and is roughly 12” in height. It is located at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. The second face sculpture is Hip Pendant, which dates to the Middle Period, c. 1550 CE. It is composed of ivory, iron, and copper and measures at 9 3/8”. It is located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

2. Mask of Agamemnon has very simple detailing. It is sculpted as a traditional face structure that is round. This face is male with eyes closed, a closed mouth, and a slender nose. It has a handlebar mustache with a slight goatee and beard. The surface of the

The obvious difference in both faces is that Mask of Agamemnon is wider versus the taller face of Hip Pendant, pointing out the ethnic differences. Another difference is the mediums that were used the show in what color the face is. With the mixed elements used to create Hip Pendant, it has a brownish cream hue unlike the solid gold of Mask of Agamemnon. Mask of Agamemnon is also bigger in size considering it was used to cover an actual face of a deceased person. Hip Pendant’s eyes are open, whereas Mask of Agamemnon’s is closed. Hip Pendant also represents a face in 3-D more accurately than Mask of Agamemnon. There is no facial hair on Hip Pendant, making it easier to depict it is a female’s face. Mask of Agamemnon is a male’s face and Hip Pendant is a

With Mask of Agamemnon, lines and shapes are used to create the image of a realistic face. There is the round circular shape of the face itself as well as some of the features. Range sequences are used in the nose and mouth to make them more anatomically correct. There is also curvature in the ears and arches of the eyebrows.

6. Hip Pendant uses lines and shapes to allow the structure to not only be 3-D but more lifelike. The most prominent features of his face are the parallel markings on the forehead that emphasize the culture of the era. The form of the headpiece and necklace show how the pieces were not only worn but the way they would fall on the shape of the head. Arches are used in the nose, lips, eyes, and ears. Because of the build, it makes the face more symmetrical.

7. Agamemnon was the king of either Mycenae or of Argos. He led the Greek forces during the Trojan War and was also the son of Atreus and brother of Menelaus. He was significant because he was royalty in Greek mythology. Although he was an enigmatic leader, he also had some home issues. He was the victim of adultery and murdered by his wife’s lover after coming home from war. The sculptured face shows his importance based on the fact that it is composed of gold and that represents wealth and status.