Blog 1 – Egyptomania in Modern America
Egyptomania is the word used to describe the renewed European interest in and obsession with Egypt, in the 19th century as a result of Nepoleon’s scientists’ work. However, it was not only Europe that was influenced, modern America still remains intrigued by ancient Egypt. The influence can be seen in architecture, art, and pop culture.
The rise of Art Deco, a globally popular styling that appeared in American iconic buildings in New York, Chicago, Los Angelas and many other cities, incorporates many ancient Egypt architectural designs. Even Detroit has Art Deco buildings such as the Fox Theater and the Fischer Building. Common characters of this influence are Egyptian columns, geometric shapes and the linear step designs of these buildings.
American art and advertising is influenced by Ancient Egypt, as well. Papyrus textured paper, used for letterhead as well as paintings is a direct example. The geometric designs in midcentury American art are another example of how Egyptian art influences modern American art. Marble Obelisks are represented across America on office desks and as monuments in parks.
In pop culture, Egyptian eye make-up became the modern smoky eye look of today. Egyptian mythology is incorporated in countless TV shows, movies, games and books. Some examples of games in pop culture that reference ancient Egypt are: PowerSlave, Gex 3, Age of Mythology, and League of Legends. Movies that refer to ancient Egypt include Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie: Pyramid of Light, The Mummy, Gods of Egypt, and The Prince of Egypt. TV references can be found on many shows including LOST, Ancient Egyptians (TV Series), and Egypt (miniseries). The list of books based on Egypt is never-ending but some examples of these are The Kane Chronicles, Cleopatra’s Daughter, The Egyptian: A Novel, River God, and The Seventh Scroll. Even music such as multiple songs by the death metal band Nile are about ancient Egypt.
It is clear that modern America has not lost its fascination with ancient Egypt and its mysteries. This is partially due to the fact that it has been heavily studied for thousands of years. Napolean’s determination to record what they saw in Egypt was important to the Europeans and also spread to America. Also, because of the climate in Egypt, mummies and other artifacts could be preserved which adds to people’s interest, allowing museums and other public interfaces to contain ancient Egyptian material. Finally, the fact that there is still so much we don’t know about ancient Egypt contributes to the continuation of egyptomania into the modern world.
Sources:
Humbert, Jean-Marcel, et al. Egyptomania: Egypt in Western Art
http://www.ancient.eu/Egyptian_Culture/