Neo-Assyrian
Relief Showing the Head of a Winged Genius
Neo–Assyrian Period, reign of King Ashurnasirpal II (883–859 BCE)
A gypsum relief from the Neo-Assyrian palace at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu) in northern Iraq, dating to the 9th–8th century BC, showing a winged apkallu (protective 'genius') bearing a stylised pine cone and a bucket of ritual water to cleanse and protect the king. Traces of original pigment show that Assyrian palace reliefs were brightly painted. The panel is a signature object in the Art Institute of Chicago's ancient Near Eastern collection.
Exhibition Venue
Image source: Art Institute of Chicago