Long essay: comparison
Rulers and divine approval: the Code of Hammurabi
- Units 2, 6 and 8
- 8 points
- About 35 minutes
You compare a required work shown on screen with a second work you choose and identify (from a short list or another relevant work), then explain similarities and differences and make a claim about what they mean, backed by visual and contextual evidence. On the exam: Section II, question 1 of 6: a long essay with a suggested 35 minutes. The free-response section is 2 hours and 50% of the score.
The question and its sources
Long essay: comparison. Suggested time: 35 minutes. On the exam you would see a color image of the work shown; here it is described in words. Write your answer as an essay in complete sentences, not a list.
The work, described in words
The Code of Hammurabi. Babylon (modern Iran). Susian. c. 1792–1750 BCE. Basalt.
A tall, smooth slab of dark stone (a stele), a little over 2 meters (about 7 feet) high, with a rounded top.
At the top is a carving in relief. A standing man in a round, brimmed cap faces a larger figure seated on a throne. The standing man raises one hand in front of his mouth.
The seated figure has a long beard and wears a tall headdress with several pairs of horns and a long, flounced robe. Rays or flames rise from his shoulders. He holds out a rod and a ring toward the standing man, and his feet rest on a base carved with a pattern of rows like stylized mountains.
The seated figure's shoulders face the viewer while his head and legs are shown in profile.
Below the relief, horizontal bands of carved cuneiform writing cover most of the rest of the stele, front and back.
Source: Description written for this practice question. On the exam you would see color images of the work instead.
Suggested time: 35 minutes
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The essay
8 pointsWorks of art have been used to present a ruler's power as approved by, or connected to, the divine. The Code of Hammurabi is one example. Select and completely identify another work of art that presents a ruler's power as approved by or connected to the divine. You may select one of the works listed below or any other relevant work. In your response you should do the following: • Describe one visual characteristic of the Code of Hammurabi and one visual characteristic of your selected work. • Using specific visual evidence from the Code of Hammurabi and from your selected work, explain one similarity or difference in how each work shows a connection between a ruler and the divine. • Using specific visual evidence from the Code of Hammurabi and from your selected work, explain another similarity or difference in how each work shows a connection between a ruler and the divine. • Make a claim that explains a similarity or difference in how the intended purpose or audience of each work shaped the way it presents the ruler's authority. Support your claim with specific contextual evidence from the Code of Hammurabi and from your selected work. Identify your selected work as fully as you can: title or designation, artist and/or culture of origin, date of creation, and materials. The identification point needs at least two accurate identifiers; if you choose a work from the list, they must be identifiers beyond the title given there. Extra identifiers that turn out to be wrong won't cost you the point. • Augustus of Prima Porta • Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings • Sika dwa kofi (Golden Stool)
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