What is the oldest 'realistic' depiction in art of someone?

by ritzamitz

As in if a depiction if someone was placed next to them, I would recognise them. Or a highly intricate depiction of someone in art, as opposed to say a stick figure of someone.

cecikierk

There are many examples of realistic late Greek and Roman art. For example Tomb of the Diver murals is probably where Greek Art starts to get intricate and realistic. Pompeii murals are also very well done. In addition look up Fayum mummy portraits, those are highly realistic portraits painted in colored wax.

Searocksandtrees

hi! contrary to the title, you'll find many examples of beautiful portraiture in this section of the FAQ (link on sidebar):

Why wasn't ancient art realistic?

atmdk7

The ancient Mesopotamians had some intricate statuary, such as this bronze statue of Sargon the Great, possibly made around the early 2000sBC, and quite a few of King Gudea all made around the same time (give or take a century of two).

However,Egyptian statues are even more famous, and now that I think about it, because you didn't mention them I would guess you meant painting and such, which I don't know much about, sorry.