The Striding Lion and the Double Bull Capital Assignment
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Nairobi *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
432
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by kimondozeph95
Introduction
The Oriental Institute stands as a beacon of historical understanding by preserving
numerous relics that represent the pinnacles of ancient artistry. As one delves into its vast
collection certain artifacts resonate with tales of bygone eras by reflecting the ethos and
aesthetics of their respective civilizations. The Neo-Babylonian wall relief known as the
Striding
Lion
and the
Double Bull Capital on Fluted Column
from ancient Persia are such masterpieces.
This comparative study of these two works will therefore offer a fascinating journey into the
cultural nuances and artistic trends of their epochs.
Striding Lion
The
Striding Lion
wall relief originates from the powerful Neo-Babylonian era and
exemplifies the grandeur and might of this influential civilization. This majestic creature is
dynamically portrayed in mid-stride which encapsulates the essence of motion and the lion's
imposing figure. Even as a relief which is inherently flat the artwork conveys depth and
dimension by emphasizing the lion's elongated profile and its regal and flowing mane. The lion's
head showcases a fierce yet noble expression which is crafted with meticulous attention to detail
with the mane
characterized by
cascading waves that exudes a sense of wild elegance. The
pronounced musculature of the upper body especially the sturdy shoulders and powerful limbs
which symbolizes the lion's unparalleled strength therefore serving as a metaphor for the
expansive and dominant Neo-Babylonian empire
and f
urther emphasizes its majesty
(Fügert &
Gries, 2019).
Double Bull Capital on Fluted Column
The
Double Bull Capital
is a manifestation of ancient Persia's exquisite artistry and
architectural prowess and unlike the lion relief's horizontal emphasis the
Double Bull Capital
is
an ode to verticality and balance. It is positioned back-to-back with the heads of the dual bulls
projecting outward to act as a harmonious counterpoint to the upward thrust of the column which
is further accentuated by its fluted ridges. (Boucharlat, 2021). The uniform, curled hair of the
bulls in contrast to the wild mane of the
Striding Lion
reflects the structured beauty inherent in
Persian designs. Their compact upper bodies which mirror each other perfectly highlight the
equilibrium and duality that the sculpture so brilliantly conveys.
Historical and Cultural Reflections
Historical and cultural artifacts serve as windows into the soul and psyche of ancient
civilizations therefore allowing modern onlookers to decipher the values, ambitions and
aesthetics that dominated bygone eras. The
Striding Lion
perfectly captures the spirit of the Neo-
Babylonian era. The artwork tells a story of an empire that was ceaselessly expansive and
constantly pushing its boundaries through conquests
through its portrayal of dominance and
unbridled power. It is more than just a representation of a fierce beast but a symbol of Neo-
Babylonian ambitions and their central role in the intricate tapestry of ancient geopolitics
(
Fügert
& Gries, 2019). In stark contrast, the
Double Bull
Capital
offers a deep dive into the Persian
world. Rather than showcasing overt dominance or territorial ambitions, this artwork illuminates
the Persian love for intricate details, balance and also harmony. The emphasis on symmetry and
structural beauty in the
Double Bull Capital
echoes the Persian civilization's deep-rooted
appreciation for gardens, their architectural prowess in creating symmetrical edifices and a
profound connection with nature. This shift in artistic focus ranging from raw power to
introspective beauty signifies that Persian art was not just about external displays of might but
was a celebration of internal balance, harmony and a keen sense of aesthetics
(
Boucharlat, 2021).
Transformation in Style and Concept
The evolution of art provides a tangible testament to the shifting priorities and ideals of
civilizations throughout history. When juxtaposed, the
Striding Lion
and the
Double Bull Capital
reveal a palpable metamorphosis in ancient artistic conventions. The
Striding Lion
speaks to an
era where might and grandiosity were paramount with its bold imagery reflecting a society that
prized external achievements, territorial conquests and an unabashed display of power (Bahrani,
2003). On the other hand, the
Double Bull Capital
signals a transition towards introspection and
a more nuanced appreciation of the world with its emphasis on verticality, balance and harmony
suggesting a society that found beauty in order and structure therefore symbolizing a shift
inward. There was a growing appreciation for architectural prowess
rather than a mere focus on
territorial acquisitions and is a symmetry that mirrored the natural world and a sense of inner
equilibrium. This artistic evolution from the audacious to the harmonious underscore broader
societal transformations. It highlights a journey from an era of outward conquests to one where
civilizations began to recognize the significance of harmony, societal order and the innovative
melding of form and function in architecture (Curtis & Tallis, 2005).
Conclusion
The Oriental Institute stands as a veritable treasure trove which chronicles the ebb and
flow of ancient civilizations through its meticulously preserved artifacts. Despite their distinct
artistic expressions, the
Striding Lion
and
Double Bull Capital
come together to weave a tapestry
that speaks volumes about the epochs they represent. While they offer an immediate appreciation
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
of ancient craftsmanship, the deeper narrative lies in their representation of the contrasting ethos
of the Neo-Babylonian and Persian cultures. They serve as artistic milestones, markers of
evolving sensibilities in art, culture and philosophy. Delving into these masterpieces is akin to
embarking on a journey through time which offers insights into the transformative forces and
visionary ideals that have, over millennia charted the ever-evolving narrative of human
civilization.
References
Bahrani, Z. (2003). The Graven Image: Representation in Babylonia and Assyria. University of
Pennsylvania Press.
Boucharlat, R. (2021). Persia (including Khūzestān). A Companion to the Achaemenid Persian
Empire, 1, 187-212.
Curtis, J., & Tallis, N. (2005). Forgotten empire: The world of ancient Persia. University of
California Press.
Fügert, A., & Gries, H. (2019). The men who wrought the baked brick, those were Babylonians’:
A brief history of molded and glazed bricks. A Wonder to Behold: Craftsmanship and the
Creation of Babylon’s Ishtar Gate, 41-53.
https://www.academia.edu/43470700/_I_had_baked_bricks_glazed_in_lapis_lazuli_color_A_Bri
ef_History_of_Glazed_Bricks_in_the_Ancient_Near_East