Assyrian sculpture

Genien, Nimrud 870 v. Chr. Aegyptisches Museum, Muenchen-4

Assyrian sculpture is a key component of Ancient Near Eastern art and history, reflecting the cultural, religious, and political life of the Assyrian Empire, one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world. Spanning from the 25th century BCE until the fall of the Assyrian capital, Nineveh, in 612 BCE, Assyrian sculpture is renowned for its detailed relief carvings and monumental guardian figures that adorned the palaces and temples of Assyrian kings.

History and Development

The art of sculpture in Assyria evolved from the traditions of the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians that preceded it. Early Assyrian sculptures were primarily small, intricately carved cylinder seals and ivories. By the Neo-Assyrian period (911-612 BCE), however, the Assyrians had developed a distinctive style characterized by large-scale relief sculptures that depicted narrative scenes of royal achievements, religious rituals, and mythological themes.

Characteristics

Assyrian sculptures are best known for their narrative reliefs, which were carved into the walls of royal palaces. These reliefs depicted detailed and dynamic scenes of hunting, battles, and the king's military campaigns, showcasing the power and divine right of the Assyrian rulers. The figures in these reliefs are highly detailed, with careful attention paid to muscles, facial expressions, and intricate hairstyles and beards, which added to the realism and vitality of the scenes.

Another significant aspect of Assyrian sculpture is the Lamassu, colossal stone figures that combined the body of a lion or bull, the wings of an eagle, and the head of a human. These guardian figures were placed at the entrances of palaces and temples to ward off evil spirits and protect the inhabitants. The Lamassu are notable for their five legs – two when viewed from the front, giving a stable appearance, and four when viewed from the side, suggesting motion.

Materials and Techniques

Assyrian sculptors primarily worked with stone, particularly alabaster, due to its softness and workability. They also used ivory, bronze, and gold for smaller objects and decorative purposes. The large-scale reliefs were carved directly into the walls of buildings or on large panels that were then attached to the walls. The creation of these sculptures required a high degree of planning, skill, and labor, indicating the importance of art and architecture within Assyrian society.

Major Sites

Significant examples of Assyrian sculpture have been found at several archaeological sites, including:

• Nimrud (ancient Kalhu) – Home to the Northwest Palace of Ashurnasirpal II, famous for its wall reliefs depicting hunting scenes and battles.
• Nineveh – The last capital of the Assyrian Empire, where the palace of Sennacherib contained extensive wall reliefs.
• Khorsabad (ancient Dur-Sharrukin) – The site of Sargon II's palace, known for its Lamassu sculptures and relief panels.

Legacy

The fall of Nineveh in 612 BCE marked the end of the Assyrian Empire, but the influence of Assyrian sculpture continued to be felt in the region. The detailed narrative style and iconography of Assyrian reliefs influenced subsequent cultures, including the Persians and Greeks. Today, Assyrian sculptures are considered masterpieces of ancient art and are key attractions in museums around the world, offering insights into the life, beliefs, and achievements of the Assyrian people.