Assyrian kings in the ninth to seventh centuries BC decorated their palaces with masterful relief sculptures that represent a high point of Mesopotamian art, both for their artistic quality and sophistication and for their vivid depictions of warfare, rituals, mythology, hunting, and other aspects of Assyrian court life. The importance of these ancient treasures has only increased with the recent destruction, by ISIS, of many of the reliefs that remained in Iraq.
The masterworks in this exhibition are on special loan from the British Museum, London.
Works On View
Publications
Paul Collins
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I am Ashurbanipal: king of the world, king of Assyria
Edited by Gareth Brereton
Exhibition Resources
Discover more about the works featured in the exhibition.
Video
Assyria: Power and Propaganda
Museum Director Timothy Potts explains how ancient Assyrian kings used monumental palace friezes to intimidate visitors and justify power.
Getty x Ganzeer x Logan - Bridging the Past
Egyptian-born artist Ganzeer explores power plays expressed in art, from ancient Assyria to his own use of images to subvert regimes.
2-Minute Time Machine: Beards
Take a ride way back, 3000 years ago. We'll check out what's up with beards as power statements and why men (and women!) might have wanted one.
Podcast
Assyrian Reliefs Tell the Story of an Empire
Tales of military might, myth, and court life told through stone sculptures.