Ancient Mesopotamia and Assyrian Sculptures

Introduction

• Mesopotamia is often considered the cradle of civilization.
• It was not a peaceful region but a series of civilizations conquering each other.

Historical Context

• The Assyrians controlled the ancient Near East from 1000 B.C. to 500 B.C.
• The sculptures come from the palace of Sargon II in Khorsabad, modern-day Iraq.
• Other Assyrian palaces were located in Nimrud, Assur, and Nineveh.

Lamassu Sculptures

• Guardian figures that protected the gates of the city and citadel.
• The figures were winged bulls with human heads called Lamassu.
• Expression of Assyrian king’s power.
• Monolithic sculptures: carved from a single piece of stone.
• The engravings show the transport of these massive statues.

Description of the Sculptures

• Crown: decorated with rosettes, double horns, and feathers.
• Face: wavy hair, connected eyebrows, bull ears with elaborate earrings.
• Beard: rings on the cheeks and spirals interrupted by horizontal bands.
• Wings: motif decoration along the body and back.
• Cuneiform inscriptions: declare the king’s power and damnation for those who threaten the king’s work.

Appearance and Movement

• The sculptures have five legs: two front and four visible from the side.
• From the side, the animal appears to be moving; from the front, it is static.
• Illusion of movement when crossing the gate.

Significance

• Sensitivity to anatomy and imagination in the statue design.
• The power and authority of the king and city fortifications are expressed through these sculptures.
• It is impossible not to be struck by the might of this civilization.