Two-Dimensional Representations : Overview

The objects shown here each feature two dimensional representations of human figures. As such, they belong to one of the most basic of art forms, which has existed ever since the earliest cave painting. Although distinct in form and function, they each present deliberate and idealized images of cultural identity.  Unlike painted portraits, each of these images were originally created to be consumed by and disseminated to a mass audience who were assumed to share these same cultural ideals.