Image Resource Bank

Image Gallery |  8 of 15

This relief fragment provides a close-up of King Ashurnasirpal II, identifiable by his fez-shaped cap topped by a conical spike. Originally, this fragment formed part of a larger scene in which the king, grasping a bow, stood ready to pour a libation from a cup. Facing the king was an attendant who carried a fly-whisk used to banish insects from his royal highness. This example not only shows the detail of these reliefs, but also the power of the king represented by his great beard and bold features.

Foreigners Praying to the Egyptian King

Name: Relief Fragment of King Ashurnasirpal II

Material: Gypsum

Size:
Height: 60 cm
Width: 57 cm
Depth: 15.5 cm

Date: 883 BCE - 859 BCE

Place of Origin: Nimrud (ancient Kalhu)

Location: Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago.

Registration # and Source: Oriental Institute Museum. OIM A34979. Link to resource (accessed May 7, 2010).

Jennie Myers

Research Associate, University of Chicago