Lion Hunt, From the palace complex of Assurnasirpal II. Size: 85” X 39”. Date: 850 B.C.E. Museum: The British Museum, London.
The relief Lion Hunt on the Assyrian ruler, Assurnasirpal II, palace walls is Alabaster or Limestone relief sculptured depicting a lion hunt of which the king is shooting the ferocious beasts. The sculpture shows exactly how it is shown. There are armed guards who would release the lions or powerful beasts into an enclosed or certain area where the king is placed into a chariot, drove around this area, and shoots these magnificent creatures. The sculpture is created with 3-dimensional space, as we can see the outline of the king, lions, chariot, horses, and armed guards. The texture of the sculpture emphasizes numerous details sculptured into each thing on the relief, such as in the lions, their muscles are erupting through their body. The artist used mass to depict the 3-d sculpture and the overlapping of figures as well. The sculpture moves the viewer from left to right,
The walls of Assurnasirpal II palace were sculptured with Assyrian triumph and power. This particular sculpture, the lion hunt depicts the king killing these strong, powerful creatures. It was a ceremonial hunt that showed the kings power, authority and war-like manners.
The sculptor shows us the Assyrian Kings power depicted through war-like and military strength, as well as a ceremonial sculpture by placing the King as the authority in relation to gods. It was the kings duties to serve and protect his people through war and battle. The power and the importance that a king displays, is shown in the sculpture of the battle scene of Assurnasirpal.
Title: Ashurnasirpal II Lion Hunt Relief BM124534
Author: Pauline Albenda
