Essay On Ancient Art

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Until recently the world had not realized the importance of conserving ancient artefacts, some of which have become some of the world’s most valuable creations. Cultural heritage is a representation of the era’s daily life; the country’s past; and the religious, moral and politic ideologies of the people. However, the conservation of this is best described as “a type of ethical stewardship” (Wikipedia), as it is the continuous protection and care of artwork. My interest on this topic was due to my love towards ancient art and a video. Since I was a child I have always had a special interest in art, I have visited some of the most renowned museums such as the Louvre and El Prado, which have opened my mind to art and history. Recently, I have seen a thirty-second-video in which a group of extremists demolished numerous 3000-year-old artefacts, with the excuse that they are encouraging idolatry. Watching this brutal act of destruction of an artwork which has been on Earth for so many years, and which has taught us so much about the past, has made a huge impact on my idea of the world. I …show more content…

Romans used to call this “Damnatio memoriae” which means erasing their enemies’ past from history. Romans believed that their enemies should not be remembered. As sculptures and paintings were the way in which they could show their existence to future generations, they eliminated their traces. ISIS attacks on art were based on this. ISIS believes that ancient sculptures who used to be worshipped by the people, should no longer stand on Earth, as they foment the worship of an idol which is not Allah, their one and only superior. In my opinion, ISIS also believe it is wrong to represent the living, in artwork, as for them it was prohibited because it represented lack of respect towards Allah, as Allah’s greatness could not be depicted in any human

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