🎨Art History I – Prehistory to Middle Ages Unit 7 – Ancient Near Eastern Art: Assyria to Persia

Key Civilizations and Time Periods

• Ancient Near East encompasses civilizations in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, the Levant, and Persia from ~4000 BCE to 330 BCE
• Assyrian Empire (911-612 BCE) known for its military might, extensive trade networks, and distinctive art style
  • Neo-Assyrian period (911-612 BCE) marked the height of Assyrian power and artistic achievements
• Babylonian Empire (626-539 BCE) emerged after the fall of the Assyrian Empire
  • Neo-Babylonian period (626-539 BCE) known for its architectural wonders, such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon
• Persian Empire (550-330 BCE) founded by Cyrus the Great, became the largest empire of its time
  • Achaemenid period (550-330 BCE) known for its monumental architecture, intricate reliefs, and metalwork
• Sassanian Empire (224-651 CE) was the last pre-Islamic Persian empire, known for its distinctive art style and cultural achievements

Major Artistic Developments

• Development of monumental architecture, including palaces, temples, and ziggurats (stepped pyramids)
• Innovations in sculpture, such as the use of composite creatures (human-animal hybrids) and narrative reliefs
• Advancement of metalworking techniques, particularly in gold and silver
  • Creation of intricate jewelry, vessels, and decorative objects
• Emergence of distinctive styles in each civilization, reflecting their cultural values and beliefs
  • Assyrian art characterized by its realism, attention to detail, and emphasis on military prowess
  • Babylonian art known for its colorful glazed bricks and depictions of mythological creatures
  • Persian art distinguished by its harmonious proportions, use of precious materials, and incorporation of diverse cultural influences
• Development of cuneiform writing, one of the earliest writing systems, which facilitated record-keeping and communication

Iconic Artworks and Artifacts

• Stele of Hammurabi (c. 1792-1750 BCE) features the Babylonian king receiving the code of laws from the sun god Shamash
• Assyrian Lamassu (c. 721-705 BCE) monumental stone sculptures of protective deities with human heads, bull or lion bodies, and wings
• Ishtar Gate (c. 575 BCE) a massive, colorful gateway adorned with glazed brick reliefs of animals and mythological creatures from Neo-Babylonian Babylon
• Cyrus Cylinder (c. 539-530 BCE) clay cylinder inscribed with Cyrus the Great's proclamation of religious tolerance and freedom for conquered peoples
• Persepolis (c. 518-330 BCE) ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire, featuring monumental architecture, intricate reliefs, and grand processional ways
  • Apadana Staircase reliefs depict representatives from various provinces bringing gifts to the Persian king
• Oxus Treasure (5th-4th century BCE) collection of gold and silver objects, showcasing the wealth and craftsmanship of the Achaemenid Empire

Materials and Techniques

• Stone used for monumental architecture, reliefs, and sculptures
  • Limestone, alabaster, and basalt commonly used in Assyrian and Babylonian art
  • Limestone and granite used in Persian art, particularly at Persepolis
• Clay used for cuneiform tablets, cylinders, and sealings
  • Glazed bricks used for decorative purposes, especially in Neo-Babylonian architecture (Ishtar Gate)
• Metals, such as gold, silver, and bronze, used for jewelry, vessels, and decorative objects
  • Techniques included casting, hammering, repoussé, and granulation
• Textiles, such as wool and linen, used for clothing and decorative purposes
  • Dyes derived from plants and minerals used to create vibrant colors
• Ivory and precious stones, such as lapis lazuli and carnelian, used for luxury objects and inlays

Cultural and Historical Context

• Ancient Near Eastern civilizations were characterized by complex political systems, extensive trade networks, and religious beliefs
• Art served to legitimize the power of rulers, glorify deities, and convey cultural values
  • Assyrian art emphasized the military might and conquests of the empire
  • Babylonian art reflected the importance of religion and mythology in society
  • Persian art showcased the wealth, power, and cultural diversity of the empire
• Art production was closely tied to the patronage of kings, nobles, and religious institutions
• Interactions and cultural exchanges between civilizations influenced artistic styles and iconography
  • Persian art incorporated elements from conquered cultures, such as Egyptian and Greek motifs
• Art played a role in religious practices, such as adorning temples and serving as votive offerings

Symbolism and Themes

• Depictions of rulers and deities emphasized their power, authority, and divine right to rule
  • Kings often shown in idealized forms, engaged in religious ceremonies or military victories
• Composite creatures (human-animal hybrids) represented protective deities or symbolized the power of the ruler
  • Lamassu, sphinxes, and griffins were common motifs
• Narrative reliefs conveyed historical events, mythological stories, and cultural values
  • Assyrian reliefs often depicted military campaigns and the submission of conquered peoples
  • Babylonian reliefs featured mythological creatures and religious scenes
• Floral and animal motifs held symbolic meanings and were used as decorative elements
  • Lions represented strength and royalty
  • Bulls symbolized fertility and power
  • Tree of life motif represented the interconnectedness of the divine, human, and natural worlds

Influence on Later Art

• Ancient Near Eastern art had a lasting impact on the artistic traditions of the Mediterranean world and beyond
• Monumental architecture, such as the Persian Apadana at Persepolis, influenced the design of later palaces and public buildings
• Iconography and motifs, such as the use of composite creatures and narrative reliefs, were adopted and adapted by subsequent civilizations
  • Greek and Roman art drew inspiration from Persian art, particularly in the depiction of mythological creatures and the use of precious materials
• Metalworking techniques and styles, such as granulation and repoussé, continued to be used and refined in later periods
• The legacy of Ancient Near Eastern art can be seen in the artistic traditions of the Islamic world, particularly in the use of geometric patterns and calligraphy

Key Takeaways

• Ancient Near Eastern art encompasses the artistic production of Mesopotamian, Anatolian, Levantine, and Persian civilizations from ~4000 BCE to 330 BCE
• Major artistic developments include monumental architecture, innovations in sculpture, advancements in metalworking, and the emergence of distinctive styles reflecting cultural values and beliefs
• Iconic artworks and artifacts, such as the Stele of Hammurabi, Assyrian Lamassu, Ishtar Gate, and Persepolis, showcase the artistic achievements of these civilizations
• Materials used in Ancient Near Eastern art include stone, clay, metals, textiles, ivory, and precious stones, with techniques such as casting, hammering, repoussé, and granulation
• Art served to legitimize the power of rulers, glorify deities, convey cultural values, and play a role in religious practices
• Symbolism and themes in Ancient Near Eastern art include depictions of rulers and deities, composite creatures, narrative reliefs, and floral and animal motifs
• Ancient Near Eastern art had a lasting influence on the artistic traditions of the Mediterranean world and beyond, particularly in monumental architecture, iconography, and metalworking techniques