Ka and Ka-Aper

The Ka statue of Ka-Aper comes from the deceased's brick mastaba at Saqqara,

Egypt some time between 2450-2350 BCE. The Koursos statue of Kroisos was created

many years later, some time around 530 BCE, as a grave marker for the deceased

hero in Anavysos, Greece which is not far from Athens. The two statues contrast

drastically; however still manage to share subtle yet significant

characteristics.

Ka-Aper stands at an unimpressive 3'7", while Kroisos was created to a life

like size of 6'4". Though the two differ greatly in height, they both were

composed in the same freestanding Egyptian stance. Their left legs both extend

forward as if in motion; however their stiff hips make the movement very

unrealistic. The shoulders and arms also take a similar position. Ka-Aper is

holding a staff in his outstretched hand; though the other is at his side almost

identical to those of Kroisos. Their composition is quite similar yet the

material used to create them is not at all. Ka-Aper was carved from a tree trunk

which the body of the figure still greatly resembles. The arms were carved

separately and then pegged on later. Ka-Aper was also at one time painted,

however over the years it has worn away. Kroisos on the other hand was carved

from marble as was custom of Grecian sculpture. He too was also at one time

painted as all Greek stone statues were. Lastly the two figures both exhibit

bare feet. This may signify that they were being portrayed on sacred ground. In

Ka-Aper case it was his mastaba, and in Kroisos's his grave.

The style of the two statues exhibits great contrast. The artist created

Ka-Aper in a very realistic light. He is much less formal and his body is far

from ideal. The figure also possesses a sense of plasticity, even furthering the

realistic effect of the statue. This realistic approach was innovative for the

time period. Ka statues were traditionally created with ideal proportions in

order to show the deceased in the best light. His full body also gives evidence

of the comfortable life he must have lead being a member of the upper class in

Egypt. The artist did all of this on purpose of course, because he was creating

a specific portrait of Ka-Aper. The artist of Kroisos was much less concerned

with realism and thus created a very ideal and toned figure. The statue portrays

a man that was no more specific