Post #3 Formal Analysis: Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions

   Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions is a low relief sculpture carved from alabaster. The piece stands a little over three feet tall and portrays a very detailed scene of men hunting lions from a chariot being pulled by horses. This particular work gives me a two different emotional reactions when I look at it, the initial one being danger and then through closer observation I get a sense of dominance. The image I will be referencing can be found on page 40 of the text Art History by Stokstad and Cothren.
   My first reaction when looking at this piece is danger. The eye is immediately drawn just left of center to developing conflict between the man, bow drawn, in the chariot and the lion coming in close to attack. There is a moment of suspense built by how the two could potentially interact. The aggressive stance of the lion and the armed man give a sense of danger that radiates from them both. The lion, being depicted as being stuck with four arrows already, shows that its life is in danger through the expression on its face. A last stance, defiant roar. This is also supported by the detailed strain of the lions muscles. The low relief really lends itself to depth and detail of the lion's features. The man, coming face to face with the lion is very much in danger himself. Having hit the lion a number of times, I get no real sense of safety from the cocked bow the man holds. However, unlike the lion, when reading the man's face he shows no real signs of fear, which I will comment more on later. The final figure that brings a feeling of danger is both the chariot driver and his horses. The way the driver is set leaned forward, opposite the attacking lion, seems to indicate his fear and want to escape. The horses too behave like their driver, with wide eyes and ears pinned back as they leap over an already wounded lion.
   The second response Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions gave me was a feeling of dominance. Based on the headdress of the people in the piece, it is likely the king is the man with the bow. He is featured dead center in this piece and is the only figure to be facing toward the left. While doing so he is staring right in the eyes of a very ferocious lion. The lion is set with an aggressive upward curve to his back, his chest puffed out and his teeth showing. It is a rather intimidating pose. But the king shows no signs of fear in his face or demeanor. There is a second defeated lion under his horses that suggests his unquestionable dominance. The lions are scaled to about the size of the horses and are slightly longer than the humans are tall. However, they are much thicker and the attention paid to the size and detail of the lion's muscles, deep, thick lines, are not seen on the humans or horses. This illustrates their sheer physical power and gives a feeling of dominance through the defeat of such great creatures.   
   Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions, being a low relief sculpture is not intended to be viewed from behind but instead more like a painting. The way the scene is laid out gives a feeling of movement from left to right that can almost be read like a panel in a comic book. However, unlike a painting, the low relief allows very clear physical depth and texture. Places like the lions mane and the beards the men wear. The way the figures come off the back drop allow for shadows to form and the depth becomes very apparent in places where the soldiers overlap in a row, as well as the horses.  The alabaster is a sort of brownish/gray color that is some what mundane. The lack of color does not necessarily detract from the piece because the the relief gives dimension and the craftsmanship is very detailed.
   The Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions is a very interesting piece that conveys a number of emotions and feelings when I look at it. The innate sense of danger I feel from seeing the lion ready to attack. The feeling of dominance and power I receive from the king's demeanor when I look further. All combined with a story like movement created by the figures being composed from left to right, makes me feel like I can see the action play out in my head. Assurnasirpal II Killing Lions is a very gripping piece.