The Fascinating and Educative Art From the Ancient Near East - Assyria

Assyria was an ancient political state situated on theaddition, the Royal sport of lion and bull hunt is depicted
Upper Tigris River, in Mesopotamia. This region nowon the dramatic wall reliefs.
constitutes the Middle East, Iraq, and Syria. The AncientSimilar illustrations of King Sennacherib, who built The
Near East, Assyria, lasting during 2400 BC-612 BC,Southwest Palace of Nineveh, provide an insight into
was considered the cradle of civilizations. Thethe Ancient Near East's quarrying transport techniques
Assyrian Art that we see today actually belongs toand building projects. The Metropolitan Museum of
the Neo-Assyrian period (1180 BC-609 BC). It featuresNew York displays Cuneiform Clay Tablets, which
fine stone carvings, wall reliefs, and sculpting onwere used to keep records such as public documents,
'magnesite.' Assyrians also used 'gypsum' slabs onscientific tracts, and the works of literature. Huge
which they carved with iron and copper tools.temple statues, a number of plaques, small pottery
Among some of the major art works of those times,pieces, glass, royal seals, swords, and exquisite jewelry
were the massive, beautifully carved stalling reliefs inare also displayed here.
the Northwest Palace of Nimrud, built by KingThough, Assyrian artists are highly praised for their flair
Ashurnasirpal II. Two colossal, winged, human headedof linear stylization, some of their depictions have
lions known as the protective spirit 'Lamassu Shedu,'created controversy. For instance, one of the ivory
flanked the entrance of this palace. Similar structuresplaques put on display in the British Museum in London,
are found at the entrance of the temple of 'Istar' (Theshows the image of a lioness mauling a young African.
Goddess of Love & War). 'Ivory' was treasuredWhile an ordinary eye may see just a beast gaining
and used in most art forms in the Ancient Near East,over a man, many art critics believe the mannerisms
Assyrian Art. Sumptuously carved ivory objects andand the sumptuousness of the setting make it
fine ivories were later found in the Palace. Theambivalent and suggestive of a sensuous unity of man
wooden furniture and doors of the state apartments inand the beast. Other hair raising illustrations of Assyrian
the royal residence of Nimrud were decorated withArt in the British Museum are the large carved stone
beautiful 'bronze' and 'ivory' panels. Such art formspanels displaying triumphant scenes of war with panic
displayed the luxurious lifestyles enjoyed by thestricken horses, severed bodies writhing in pain and
Royalty in those times. The detailed reliefs of thebloodshed everywhere. The artist may have truly set
Throne Room, which now rests in the British Museumone of the first examples of narrative art but the
in London, displays the king leading military campaignsdisplay gives Assyrians a reputation of remorseless
and performing various rituals. They also exemplify thebrutes.
elaborate techniques of warfare and administration. In