Classification(s)
- Architectural
- Reproduction
Court Scene
CultureAssyrian
PeriodNeo-Assyrian
Datemid-late 9th century BCE
MediumResin
Label TextAshurnasirpal II, shown in typical royal dress and under the protection of a winged spirit (genie), sits enthroned between attendants who fan him with fly-whisks. This is part of a larger scene that filled an entire wall of a ceremonial room in the king's new palace. Originally, a second arms bearer stood behind the seated ruler along with another genie. Stylized trees flanked the entire group. Both of the protective spirits hold ritual items- a bucket and a cone-shaped item associated with the pollination of the date-palm, and therefore with fertility of the land. His beardless attendants were eunuchs unable to father descendants to rival the king or his heirs.
The relief carving is exceptional, with fine lines indicating elaborate embroidery on the garments. The "Standard Inscription", which appears across the middle of the scene, records the king's lineage, title, and achievements, and was repeated throughout the palace on other reliefs. The entire scene was once decorated with paint, traces of which are still visible on the original relief.
DescriptionModern painted resin cast of plaster copy of British Museum original 124565The relief carving is exceptional, with fine lines indicating elaborate embroidery on the garments. The "Standard Inscription", which appears across the middle of the scene, records the king's lineage, title, and achievements, and was repeated throughout the palace on other reliefs. The entire scene was once decorated with paint, traces of which are still visible on the original relief.
Cast by: Adam Aja (2012-2017)
Painted by: Charlene Lee, Harvard Undergrad (2012)
Cast of: 1890.7.9
Kalhu (modern Nimrud, Iraq)
Northwest Palace, Room G, Slab 2-3
Supplemental Information
Object number1890.7.9.R
Collections
- Mesopotamia
On View
On view
