Statue of Ashurnasirpal IINeo-Assyrian, 883-859 BC

From Nimrud (ancient Kalhu), northern Iraq

A rare example of an Assyrian statue in the round

It is made of magnesite, and stands on a pedestal of a reddish stone

Holds a sickle in his right hand, of a kind which gods are sometimes depicted

using to fight monsters.

LamassuSimilar to the Egypt’s Sphinx

The lion’s body representing strength; wings indicating speed and human head

symbolizing knowledge.

Being sculpture in the round, they were meant to be viewed from front and

side.

When viewed from the front, Lamassu would be standing guard because hind

legs aren’t visible.

From the side he would appear to be striding, because he has five legs and

the middle is in motion.

These supernatural beings purpose were to guard and intimidate invaders.

Height - up to 16 feet tall Weight - up to 40 tons.

Relief: king and eunuch attendant883–859 b.c.; Neo-Assyrian period, reign of Ashurnasirpal II; Medium: Alabaster (gypsum)

King Ashurnasirpal II wears the royal crown, holds a bow, a symbol of his authority, and a ceremonial bowl.

Facing him, a eunuch, the "beardless one," carries a fly whisk and a ladle for replenishing the royal vessel.

This is a peaceful, perhaps religious, character scene

Battle scene Assyrians storming a citadel

Period: Neo-Assyrian Date: ca. 704–681 B.C.

Medium: Gypsum alabaster

Structures and columns are carved geometrically in the forms of squares,

triangles and rectangles.

Arrows are in the same angle parallel to one another.

The composition is mathematically accurate.

Sennacherib, like past Assyrian kings, is recording their conquest of cities. The

Assyrian troops out numbering the enemy in this relief, dominance is conveyed.

Ashurbanipal, King of Assyria (668-627 BC)

Lived in the Southwest Palace of his grandfather, Sennacherib, in NinevehDecorated with wall reliefs depicting his military activity and lion hunts.

Ashurbanipal, King of Assyria (668-627 BC)

More wall reliefs

The famous lion hunt reliefs

Formed part his newly built North

palace's decorative scheme.

Dying Lioness (660 BCE)Nineveh

Medium: Limestone

Another of King Ashurbanipal’s reliefs

Depicts carnage for the sake of royal sport.

These brutal hunts were staged and tightly controlled to safely showcase

the strength of the ruler.

The lioness is bleeding profusely from arrow wounds. She emits a pathetic,

helpless roar as she drags her hind quarters, paralyzed by the assault.

The details are painfully realistic.

Lion HuntAssyrian, about 865-860 BC.

The Dying Lion Neo-Assyrian, Ca. 645-640Â B.C

Assyrian Archers

Adad-nirari II

Generally considered to be the first King of Assyria

Winged Man Headed LionLondon - British MuseumWinged Man Headed LionAssyrian Empire - 600 BCE