Lamassu, Dur Sharrukin (Modern Khorsabad), Iraq, 720 - 705 BCE. made a limestone; carved detail is s
Lamassu, Dur Sharrukin (Modern Khorsabad), Iraq, 720 - 705 BCE. made a limestone; carved detail is shallow, reveals how tough the material is to carve in. measures 13’ 10". winged, human headed bull the Assyrians were a militant civilization these two figures guarded the gates of the palace colossal sculpture - always has some kind of political significance. designed to be at the kings gate to ward off and cause fear in enemies. has five legs; wanted to show complete image of the monster. no matter what angle the sculpture is viewed, the form is complete. almost in-the-round. illustration of power and authority -- source link
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