Since the beginning of time, humans have experienced the great turmoil of war. From ancient civilizations, and even currently, we have used violence and war to solve disputes in order to obtain land, gain resources, and increase government power. After all of the suffering and violence, we eventually resolve back to harmony and concord, and this is a cycle that will continue on throughout human existence. The ancient Sumerian art piece Standard of Ur and Banksy’s modern painting Soldiers Painting Peace are both artistic representations of this theme of war and peace. In appearance, these images have minimal correlation amongst each other, but a closer observation into the art may give the viewer a better interpretation of the images.
The Standard of Ur was found in the Royal Cemetery of Ur in Iraq. It originated between 2600-2400 BCE, and it can be found on display in the British Museum in London, Italy. It is constructed from wood, lapis lazuli, shell, and red limestone, while the striking colors are the most unique features of the piece. Its dimensions are approximately 8” x 1’7” with two sides of the piece each displaying a narrative, these being a war side and a peace side. The war side depicts a battlefield victory displayed in three …show more content…
The piece became prominent after it was displayed at the Tarte Britain gallery in London in 2007. The painting is in black and white with shadows and silhouettes, except for the blood red dripping peace sign. The painting was inspired by an artistic display outside of Parliament that was removed because it violated the law against a protest within a certain distance of the building. The painting is of two soldiers clothed in battle gear, one of them is holding a machine gun, while the other is painting a peace symbol on the wall. This piece of art symbolizes the desire for peace, while demonstrating the commitment to war in contemporary
The Standard of Ur was found in the Royal Cemetery of Ur in Iraq. It originated between 2600-2400 BCE, and it can be found on display in the British Museum in London, Italy. It is constructed from wood, lapis lazuli, shell, and red limestone, while the striking colors are the most unique features of the piece. Its dimensions are approximately 8” x 1’7” with two sides of the piece each displaying a narrative, these being a war side and a peace side. The war side depicts a battlefield victory displayed in three …show more content…
The piece became prominent after it was displayed at the Tarte Britain gallery in London in 2007. The painting is in black and white with shadows and silhouettes, except for the blood red dripping peace sign. The painting was inspired by an artistic display outside of Parliament that was removed because it violated the law against a protest within a certain distance of the building. The painting is of two soldiers clothed in battle gear, one of them is holding a machine gun, while the other is painting a peace symbol on the wall. This piece of art symbolizes the desire for peace, while demonstrating the commitment to war in contemporary