Bowdoin College Museum of Art | - Lion's head relief

Preview image of work. bronze, Lion's head relief 518

1898.18

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Lion's head relief

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Artist

Artist Unidentified

Title

Lion's head relief

Creation Date

001-199

Century

1st or 2nd century

Dimensions

6 7/8 in. x 2 1/8 in. (17.46 cm. x 5.4 cm.)

Classification

Sculpture

Creation Place

Ancient Near East, Assyrian, Syria

Medium and Support

bronze

Credit Line

Gift of George Warren Hammond, Honorary Degree, 1900, and Mrs. Hammond

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1898.18

This pair of bronze furniture appliques indicate the longevity of visual traditions in the ancient Near East. Dating nearly a millennium after the time of Ashurnasirpal and coming from Roman Syria to the west, the lion’s heads harken back to earlier traditions in the art of the region. Throughout Assyrian art, lions— a favorite target of royal hunts—are often shown in combat with Assyrian gods, heroes, and kings.

Additional Media

reverse