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Descriptive Criticism of "Winged Genius”
The "Winged Genius” is an Assyrian bas-relief sculpture carved in bitumous limestone by an unknown artist. It was created to decorate the Northwest Palace of King Ashurnasirpal II, who reigned Assyria from 885 to 256 B.C. It is currently being displayed on the lower floor of the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco.
The slab is approximately 3 feet high and four feet long. It portrays a very masculine "Genius,” or beneficial spirit. The figure's face is in profile view, while the position of the body is closer to a three-quarters view. He is facing the right. His arm is bent and extended, in a pose suggesting an offering. On his back the Genius has a set of feathery wings, giving away his supernatural origin.
The wings are spread in an unusual way that suggests the wings of a butterfly. This could have been a stylistic way of representing two wings in a profile view, or it could be that the figure has four wings, two on each side.
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This slab was originally part of a monumental series of relief sculptures in the Northwest Palace of King Ashurnasirpal II, located on the east bank of the Tigris river in the ancient city of Kalhu (Nimrud). It was once brightly painted, but the paint has since chipped away leaving only the exposed beige-colored limestone. and The shaft of each feather has been carved, along with a carved indication of the barbs. His thick, powerful arms, ornate beard, and elaborate jewelry also suggest that is he is a creature that is above human. His arm is lifted in a position that suggests he is holding or offering something; unfortunately the slab is cut off right at the hand so this cannot be verified. In any case, the Winged Genius is most likely aiding the King in one way or another in this piece.
The Assyrian empire was highly militaristic, thus artwork glorifying royal power and warfare are most common. This small piece of relief simply portrays a somewhat imposing and monumental supernatural being, but it was created to suggest the immense power wielded by the King.
The Winged Genius closely follows Assyrian artistic conventions. The figure is shown in profile, and his eyes are quite large and drawn almost as if they were facing forward. The beard, hair, jewelry and wings are also highly stylized. The figure projects from the “surface” of the stone, and elements of texture and shape are defined through contour line. For example, the deep lines cut around the eyes serve to exaggerate them even further, and the definition along the stem of the feathers suggests a drawing of feathers, not a three-dimensional carving. The tight curls and waves of his hair and beard are carved meticulously; creating texture that reads as “hair,” yet does not resemble real hair. The sculpture has shape and volume, but at the same time it has a strong two-dimensional, symbolic quality.
Assyrian, from Room C (an anteroom of the throne room) of the so-called Northwest Palace, Nimrud (ancient Assyrian city of Kalhu), Northeastern Iraq, dating from the reign of King Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BC). Alabastrine limestone, also known as gypseous alabaster or Mosul marble (after the district where this stone is still quarried). Height: 110.5 cm; width: 183.0 cm; thickness: 6.4-9.6 cm.
The cuneform inscription starting at the winged genius's waist reveal the purpose of the mural, if the artwork itself did not get the message across: the king is the ruler not only of Assyria, but the entire universe. He rules the land with an iron fist in times of war and in times of peace. These two figures were standing behind a portrayal of the king, proclaiming to all visitors to the palace that not only earthly, but supernatural forces stood behind the king. The cone in the figure's hand is an offering.
King and Eunuch Attendant; Neo-Assyrian period, reign of Ashurnasirpal II (r. 883–859 B.C.)
Mesopotamia; excavated at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu)
Alabaster (gypsum)
Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr., 1932 (32.143.4)
Winged, Human-headed Genius and Royal Attendant
The palace of Ashurnasirpal, chief priest of Ashur, the chosen one of Enlil and Ninurta, the favorite of Anu and Dagan, the divine weapon of the Great Gods, the potent king, the king of the world, the king of Assyria, / .... [I am] the powerful warrior who always lives by [his] trust in Ashur, / his lord, who has no rival among the princes of
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V [5:12 PM]
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V [11:22 PM]