When depicting the human body on a two-dimensional surface, artists used different points of view to show each part of the body in its most complete form. For instance, the shoulders are seen from the front. The torso and hips turn in three-quarter view so that the legs and arms can be seen in profile. The head is also shown in profile--to display simultaneously the back and the front, with protruding nose and lips--but the eye is drawn as if seen from the front, looking directly at the viewer.
 Menna and his family fishing and fowling Distance in space from the viewer, if indicated at all, is represented either by one figure overlapping another or by more distant figures being placed above those in the foreground. Note here the use of multiple points of view. The water, for instance, is portrayed as if seen from above, but the birds and fish are seen in profile as if passing by. |
 Stela of a Middle Kingdom official (detail) The use of multiple viewpoints to show each part of the body in its most complete form is illustrated here in both seated and standing figures. |
