Head of a Genius with a Horned Crown
Name/Title
Head of a Genius with a Horned CrownEntry/Object ID
18NE08224Description
Assyrian head of a genius with a horned crown. The man has a long beard and shoulder length hair, both of which are curled.Type of Sculpture
ReliefArtwork Details
Medium
PlasterContext
This relief of a genius, or protector demi-god, originates from the reign of Ashurnasirpal II, an Assyrian king whose success came from his numerous campaigns, his military leadership, and diplomacy. This specific relief was found in the king’s palace in Kalhu (Nimrud), and was one of many such reliefs that decorated the palace walls. Genii were anthropomorphic supernatural beings, but they also could be represented as animal hybrids with the heads of eagles. They often had wings and were considered protective deities, particularly with respect to royalty, which explains their frequent depiction in palaces.Made/Created
Date made
883 BCE - 859 BCETime Period
Iron AgeEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Near Eastern - Assyrian