Lamassu, stands over ten feet tall, has the body of a lion, wings of an eagle and the head of a man. I think that Lamassu was created with elements of different creatures to produce an all together strong and fearful beast. The beast has the body of a lion, muscular, and athletic. The sculpture emphasizes robust muscle with line in the leg area. This creature expels a very dangerous vibe with very large clawed feet. This intimidating sculpture created as a relief, from Alabaster makes you want to move around him. In the frontal view you see standing in front of you a man’s head on a lion’s body. Viewing the beast from the side, you see a creature striding in motion. If you see the beast at the right angle it can be seen that it actually has five legs. Lamassu has a fifth leg to possibly appear immobile to enemies. I think the creator included the fifth leg because if the creature was viewed from the side it would only have three legs and this is unsatisfying. The Lamassu has the wings of an eagle, majestic and sturdy. The wing span is very large and detailed on the Human-Headed Winged Lion. This beast also has the head of a man. Giving the creature the head of man gives the creature complex thought, making him a smart defender.
Ashurnasirpal II once an almighty king needed a frightening protector. Lamassu stood at the entrances of the palace and throne rooms. The statue is built into the palace signifying that the beast is stable and strong like the palace and the king. The way the Human-Headed Winged Lion stands territorial giving off an overwhelming intimidating feeling. The eyes on the beast are open wide as if he is very alert. His stance from the front is quite strong and looks as if he is ready to pounce on an intruder. Viewing the beast you have a feeling that this beast strides back and forth repeatedly to protect his King.
The king’s guardian, Lamassu, stands very lavishly. Some parts of this beast are very stylized; the way there is perfectly tight curls throughout his beard and hair. The beast is wearing earrings and a luxurious looking hat. Lamassu is also wearing a detailed belt. Even the wings of an eagle are stylized. By sculpting Lamassu in this wealthy way reflected on the kings to say they too are wealthy. I think that the Lamassu was created to show power and dominance of the Kings.
Human-Headed Winged Lion, Lamassu the guardian stands strong proudly at gate and throne entrances. The contribution of the man’s head, the eagle’s wings, and the lions body create an all together fierce, authoritative beast. As a result of the creator sculpting the Lamassu this way he sends a message that he protects the king. This brute of a statue represents the wealth, power, dominance, and strength of the king, Ashurnasirpal II.
I really liked your description of the statue. The way you describe it in detail I can picture the statue in my head. On that note though, it would have been nice if you inserted a picture of the piece you were talking about so the reader could also look at the picture and see the parts you are describing. I also thing that it is interesting that you pointed out the fact that it has 5 legs, which I never noticed before. All in all good detail in the analysis of the piece and its meaning.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an awesome piece, It really does appear protective. Ten feet is so large I imagine standing next to this piece would leave you feeling very, small, and vulnerable. Great choice, and really good descriptions.
ReplyDeleteMegan Gustafson
After reading your blog I was very interested in to knowing more about this Human- Headed Winged Lion. This piece of art is very large and is just like you said a representation of the wealth and power that the kings had. While looking at the picture you posted and others online I really enjoyed viewing each angle of the piece. One of my favorite parts is how when looking from a frontal view it you see the human head and lion body standing firm and tall. As you change your view to the side angle you see the body in motion with the 5th leg added to the side. Another part that I really enjoyed from your post is when you talk about how the human head represent the great knowledge while the lion body represents the power and strength. Overall great post!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great piece to talk about. It contains some sort of amazement that I cannot simply my fingers on, but it really does speak loudly. I love how although stationary, it almost appears as if the statue is moving (maybe it's just me). I found it interesting that this piece was supposed to reflect a protector to the King, very cool stuff. Good work.
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