Classification(s)
- Reproduction
- Sculpture
- Architectural
Dying Lioness
CultureAssyrian
PeriodNeo-Assyrian
DateMid-7th century BCE
MediumResin
Label TextWhile humans are invariably shown as impassive and emotionless, the sculptors often showed various animals in states of fear or suffering. This lioness bellows in distress, and bleeds from numerous wounds, including one that may have severed her spine. In Assyrian art, lions represent enemies hostile to civilization. The fact that the artistic style empathizes with this dying animal provides an interesting perspective on the imperial ideology. This scene is one of many in Ashurbanipal’s palace at Nineveh that show wounded lions, and it remains one of the masterpieces of Assyrian art.
DescriptionModern painted resin cast of plaster copy (British Museum, London original 124856)Cast by: Adam Aja (2012-2017)
Painted by: Sarah Milton
Cast of: 1890.7.25
Nineveh (modern Kuyunjik, Iraq)
North Palace, Room C, Slab 26
Supplemental Information
Object number1890.7.25.R
Collections
- Mesopotamia
Exhibitions
On View
On view
