Lion Hunt Relief
Date ca. 645 BCE
Movement Ancient Near Eastern | Assyrian
Provenance North Palace of Ashurbanipal, Nineveh
Housed at The British Museum, London
Lion hunts were common ceremonies amongst Assyrian rulers. This one here depicts slain lions cast about, while another makes a final, ennobled attempt of comeback, creating a striking diagonal line that connects with the spear lines of the King’s hunting party. By highlighting this animal’s ferocity, the sculptor emphasizes the King’s power.