Hieratic

Representing the sizes of things according to their importance, rather than how they would objectively appear in space. Hieratic compositions are often seen in the art of various ancient civilizations and primitive peoples, as well as during Europe's Middle Ages, and in the art of children at certain stages of artistic development. May also refer to things priestly, secerdotal.(pr. HIGH-r-A-tək)Examples of hieratic art: Egypt, probably from Abydos, Stela of Mentuwoser, c. 1955 BCE, Dynasty 12, reign of Senwosret I, year 17, Middle Kingdom, painted limestone, 19 5/8 x 41 inches (49.8 x 104.1 cm), Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY. See Egyptian art.Eastern Tibet, Portrait of Jnanatapa surrounded by lamas and mahasiddhas, 14th century, distemper on cloth, 27 x 21 1/2 inches (68.6 x 54.6 cm), Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY.