While at first glance, the Statue of Memi and Sabu and the Seated Statue of Gudea would seem very similar, they are in fact very different types of art. The difference comes down to one main difference in them. Namely, the purpose for which they were made.
Let us first examine the similarities. While the media used vary slightly, they both appear to be hewn from single pieces of stone. They are both from roughly the same era. with the Statue of Memi and Sabu stemming from roughly 2500 B.C. and the Seated Statue of Gudea from approximately 2100 B.C. They both come from the same general side of the world - Memi and Sabu from Egypt, Gudea from Mesopotamia. At roughly 25 by 10 inches and 18 by 11 inches respectively, they are fairly similar in size as well ("Statue of Gudea", n.d.; "The Royal Acquaintances Memi and Sabu", n.d.). While the amount of
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The pair of subjects are clearly lovers and the sexual nature of their relationship is unmistakably on display in his artwork. There could be no mistaking the fact that the smile on Memi 's face has something to do with the positioning of his hand on his companion 's breast. Sabu in turn, while shyly looking slightly away, is also clearly enjoying the intimacy of his embrace. Her hand is around his waist, as if pulling him closer and inviting him to explore further.
Upon looking at the stated purposes of these pieces of art, it becomes clear why they evoke such different feelings and emotions. According to the Met, the Seated Statue of Gudea "belongs to a series of diorite statues commissioned by Gudea, who devoted his energies to rebuilding the great temples of Lagash and installing statues of himself in them" and stems from a culture "pervaded by a sense of pious reserve and serenity" ("Statue of Gudea", n.d.). This was clearly a work of art made for the purpose of leaving a legacy for the man who had the statue of himself