Winged Genie Fertilizing a Date Tree

This relief comes from one of the largest kingdoms of the ancient Near East, the Assyrian Empire. Along with many other reliefs, it lined the brick walls of the palace of Ashurnasirpal II (Ash-ur-NAS-ir-pal) in Nimrud, the 9th-century B.C.E. capital of Assyria. The relief depicts a winged genie fertilizing a highly stylized date tree; dates were prized as a nutritious and easily preserved fruit. Although the process of artificially fertilizing date trees was commonly practiced, the relief indicates that the bearing of fruit was regarded as an awesome manifestation of the power of divine forces. The exaggerated muscles of the genie's legs and arms express this power, and the disproportionately large size of his raised right hand draws attention to his labors. The finely detailed patterning of his wings, hair and garment is typical of Near Eastern art. A cuneiform inscription across the relief records Ashurnasirpal's many conquests, all accomplished with divine support.

Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust