Coptic art

The Coptic art is the art of the Christian descendants ( Copts ) of Egypt. It emerged from the Roman period in Egypt and remained in the course of their development essentially folk art.

The Christian art work in Egypt can be divided into two phases. Before the conquest of Egypt by the Arabs in 641, the local art was practically a local variant of Byzantine art, which had also elements of ancient Egyptian art creation. After the conquest they grew and learned in the 7th to 9th centuries its heyday. With the increased Islamization of the Egyptian population was accompanied by a decline of Coptic art since the 13th century.

In painting, the frontal view of individual figures is predominant. The people seem static and have her look at the viewer directed. Thus they often seem transcendent and transfigured. It is found mostly the display fixed, rare, seated figures. Narrative representations are the exception. Plasticity is rarely indicated. Until the 17th century there is a rich book painting; next monumental murals are known mainly from the monastery churches. In addition, can be found on countless Coptic textiles an extensive repertoire of representations, nor take at the beginning with respect to classic antique designs, but turn to the time Christian themes.

There is little evidence for some plastic plants, on the other hand saw the relief in the form of architectural decoration a special flower. These reliefs are carved in stone, but also cut into wood. Here are similar stylistic features to be found. The figures are shown frontally, seem rigid and partially in schematic form. The heads are often reproduced through large. Again, there is a remarkable persistence of ancient motifs. Scenes from Greek mythology were popular and were perhaps reinterpreted Christian.

In architecture major churches ( basilicas ) have emerged in the early days, during the Middle Ages is marked by the construction of large monasteries throughout Egypt. These buildings are usually built in mud bricks, but significant components, such as Pillars in stone.