Dec 10, 2020
Relief panelca, Assyrian, 883–859 B.C.
This panel from the Northwest Palace at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu) depicts a winged supernatural figure. Such figures appear throughout the palace, sometimes flanking either the figure of the Assyrian king or a stylized "sacred tree." The reliefs were painted, but today almost none of the original pigment survives. However, the reliefs themselves retain incredible detail, including intricate incised designs on many of the figures’ clothing.
Gypsum alabaster
Dimensions: 90 1/2 x 73 5/8 x 2 1/4 in. (229.9 x 187 x 5.7 cm)
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue