Popular Art and Official Art: a possible and useful classification in Mesopotamian iconography?

Abstract

This article aims to appreciate if the modern distinction between official («major») and popular («minor») arts correspond to ancient Mesopotamian concepts. Moreover, it checks if this distinction improves the perception of Mesopotamian art. It appears that none negative judgement affected objects executed in a linear style or considered today as “minor”. At the same time, none differentiated between artists and craftsmen, ummanu («master») is used for both. Nevertheless, the modern system of art classification can get new insights and enhance current knowledge of ancient art.