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Neo-Assyrian (911–609 BCE), Iraq, Nimrud, Northwest Palace, reign of Ashurnasirpal II (883–859 BCE) / 883–859 BCE

Saluting Protective Spirit

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Saluting Protective Spirit as sculpture (Neo-Assyrian (911–609 BCE), Iraq, Nimrud, Northwest Palace, reign of Ashurnasirpal II (883–859 BCE) · 883–859 BCE).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

The details of his garments are painstakingly rendered; he wears a long fringed cloak with tassels over a shorter kilt and an under tunic.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this sculpture as gypsum.

The museum's collection notes: Striding forward with muscular arms and legs, this winged deity offers a gesture of salutation along with symbols of agricultural bounty. Inscribed with an account of the Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II's military conquests and victories, this relief once stood alongside hundreds of similar ones that decorated the palace at Nimrud.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtSaluting Protective Spirit

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