Proportions in Achaemenid art

To determine the proportions the Achaemenid artisans used when laying out the bas relief architectural sculptures, we developed a series of methodologies. After choosing a group of illustrated Achaemenid bas reliefs, we created image codes to identify and define the stone-carved images on the bas reliefs according to social class and physical presentation. We then identified measurable anatomical units, and developed the most meaningful proportional relationships between the anatomical units. We measured the images and, using a computer spreadsheet program, we generated the proportional relationship values. We compared the values from the diverse image types using two criteria: (a) the assumed chronological arrangement of the Achaemenid Sub-Monuments in the study, and (b) the social hierarchy of the images found on the Sub-Monuments. The data was submitted to statistical testing. The data revealed the extent of the proportional changes for various images types over time and, additionally, which Sub-Monument images conform to Achaemenid architectural proportions. Of special interest our study disclosed an, heretofore, unrecognized internal hierarchical relationship between each Achaemenid king and his immediate attendants. Based upon the proportional changes and the internal hierarchial proportions, our conclusions to the study include answers to previously posed questions concerning artistic proportions used during the reigns of the kings. Additionally, we were able to make certain sociological and anthropological statements pertaining to the Achaemenid nobility. Background material for this study, placed in appendices, includes a summary of mensuration and metrology from ancient Near Eastern texts (Sumer through the Neo-Babylonian period), those of the Achaemenid period, as well as those used in ancient Egypt. Frit, faiences and glazes used in the ancient Near East, northern Iran, Elam and Achaemenid Persia are defined and denominated. We also include matrices which contain proportional relationship data. Line drawings illustrate the Achaemenid image codes, the anatomical areas, and proportional relationships defined for measuring. Proportional relationships data are illustrated with bar-graph charts and mensuration schema are placed in tables. Images used in the study are illustrated. (Forty-nine figures, 166 tables, 83 charts and 115 plates.)