Portrait

Long Essay How does the representation of the human figure in a work of art express a culture's values? Select two works of art to analyze in your response. Be sure to include one work from beyond the European tradition. Form and content within depictions of the human figure often expresse perceived cultural beliefs. These beliefs and values have often varied between different cultures and time periods. For example, the Greek statue Doryphoros Spear Bearer portrays a warrior and athlete, while the Moche Mochica Portrait was used in burial rites. The Doryphoros Spear Bearer and Mochica Portrait, from completely different cultures and roughly similar periods, exemplify values and beliefs of their respective cultures through the representation of the human form.