Note 344 — Chapter II · SCULPTURE. (continued 4)

In a recently published work (Kritik des Ægyptischen Ornaments, archäologische Studie, with two lithographic plates, Marburg, 8vo, 1883) Herr Ludwig von Sybel has investigated the influence exercised by what he calls Asiatic ornament upon Egyptian art, after the commencement of the second Theban empire. The impression left by his inquiry—which is conducted with much order and critical acumen—is that Egypt, by the intermediary of the Phœnicians, received more from Assyria and Chaldæa than she gave. This influence was exercised chiefly by the numerous metal objects imported into the Nile valley from western Asia, where metallurgy was more advanced and more active than in Egypt. We may have doubts as to some of Herr von Sybel’s comparisons, and may think he sometimes exaggerates the Asiatic influence, but none the less may his work be read both with profit and interest.