03 November 2009

Nimrud

Large stone sculptures and reliefs were a striking feature of the palaces and temples of ancient Assyria (modern northern Iraq). An entrance to the royal palace of King Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BC) at Nimrud was flanked by two colossal winged human-headed lions. A gigantic standing lion stood at the entrance to the nearby Temple of Ishtar, the goddess of war. Painted in Room 6 at the British Museum, London. You need permission to use paints, but pencil is allowed without a permit.
Watercolour 18cm x 25.5cm. Click to enlarge.

2 comments:

problemchildbride said...

Nice rendering, Nadler. They don't give you a whole lot of light to paint by, do they. Going by the photo, anyway. The darkness seems to make the stone loom and rear more though. it feels more majestic.

Oscar Grillo said...

What a varied enigma!