Assyrian Galleries at the British Museum

Overview

• The British Museum is renowned for its ancient Egyptian galleries.
• Assyrian galleries, located nearby, contain equally remarkable objects.
• Highlight: Extraordinary stone carvings depicting a royal lion hunt.
• These carvings reflect Assyrian culture, which is rich and sometimes brutal.

Lion Hunt Reliefs

• Show warriors led by a king hunting lions.
• The carvings are vivid and meticulously detailed.
• Reflect grandeur, beauty, and the nobility of lions.
• Considered great art, transcending time.
• Attract thousands of visitors, although not as celebrated as other exhibits.

Historical Context

• Created around 645 BC during the height of the Assyrian Empire.
• Rediscovered after being buried for over 2,500 years.
• Importance highlighted by their survival and impact on modern viewers.

Discovery by Hormuzd Rassam

Background

• Rassam: Victorian-era archaeologist from Iraq (then part of the Ottoman Empire).
• Collaborated with English explorer Austin Henry Layard in the 1840s.

Role

• Rassam managed administrative tasks for Layard.
• Continued Layard’s work after he moved into politics.

Challenges

• Faced mistrust from the British Museum trustees.
• Overcame rival archaeologist Victor Plas with strategic nighttime digs.

Breakthrough

• Unearthed a royal Assyrian palace, uncovering the lion hunt reliefs.

Artistic Significance

Details

• Known for fine detail, requiring close inspection to appreciate.
• Depicts scenes with high precision, orchestrated by skilled sculptors.

Techniques

• Modern replication efforts highlight the challenge of the ancient techniques.
• Use of alabaster and potential absence of hardened steel tools.
• Likely designed and worked on in workshops, not on-site.

Innovation

• Design shows narrative techniques akin to modern comic strips and films.
• Believed to be the work of a single artist due to cohesive design.

Conclusion

• Assyrian lion hunt reliefs are a profound example of ancient art.
• Their discovery and preservation offer insight into Assyrian life and artistic mastery.
• Continues to captivate viewers with its detail and historical significance.