H.W. Janson discusses the issue of style and notes first, "The meaning, or content, of art is inseparable from its formal qualities, its style" (Janson 23). He then defines style: "In the visual arts, style means the particular way in which the forms that make up any given work of art are chosen and fitted together" (Janson 24). He also notes that it can sometimes be difficult for the observer to make the necessary connection between style and content in order to understand the given work. Consider the issue in terms of the Palette of King Narmer (c. 3000 B.C.), a work that suggests much about Egyptian history while also indicating much about the way Egyptian artists expressed ideas and so used style to develop content.
The piece shows a number of symbolic elements representing Egyptian religious and philosophic concepts, notably the Horus falcon in the upper right-hand corner and the head of the goddess Hathor in each upper corner. The motif of the pharaoh striking an enemy would be used again and again to represent the triumph of the pharaoh and of Egypt. In this case, the pharaoh is wearing the Crown of Upper Egypt, suggesting that this event is taking place before the union of Upper and Lower Egypt (Woldering 50).
The style is flat, with figures depicted always from one side. The head is always swiveled to a profile even if the body is turned more to face front. The style itself is symbolic, representing an idea, a religious tenet, or a historic event, with the back of the palette showing a more extended rendering of some aspect of the story.
Janson, H.W. and Anthony Janson. History of Art. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1997.
Woldering, Irmgard, The Art of Egypt. New York: Greystone Press, 1962.
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