The Transitory Nature of Icons

Cultural icons define a group of people in a small time frame. They tell the story of a people during one part of their lives through group awareness and traditions. Few of these icons last for more than a century. Artists who specialize in producing these types of art rarely get recognition more than a few years after they retire. There are a few artists whose works last much longer. The sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen is a piece of art that is a cultural icon. It has been famous since its discovery in 1922. The unknown artist who produced this work remains unnamed, but his art will live on as a representation of the culture of ancient Egypt and its people for many years to come.