A Genius

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A Genius

The Ancient Near-Eastern period of our history marks a very large fundamental change in the way human culture has evolved. At that time, growth of its people and cities had definite improvement on urban society, which has continued to prevail through the years as a major influence over our evolvement. The Artwork found from that period directly reflects that change and evolvement. Better soil, water accessibility, and easier means of trade with other civilizations provided the fabric for this new change. Pieces uncovered by archeologists such as wall reliefs, vases, coins, statues, and jewelry, really show a sophisticated society unlike any seen before its time. One can only imagine what type of people flourished in ancient Mesopotamia, also known as the “Fertile Crescent”. Through its villages and cities the Ancient Near Eastern people began to colonize and thus spark the first system of hierarchy. Priests and kings held the rite to the land and the people worshiped them as divine. Palaces in this time of government were adorned with great splendor. Grandiose statues and intricate wall reliefs gave them life. One piece in particular shows Assyria’s vision of worship and hierarchy. “Relief Showing the Head of a Winged Genius” visually depicts the role of worship and deity among this ancient Mesopotamian civilization.

Artwork from any era directly mimics the civilization from where it came. This particular piece with its strong emphasis on line and shape lends itself to an overwhelming sense of stylization and sophistication. Though stylized, Relief Showing the Head of a Winged Genius is also very naturalistic. Dated 883 – 859 BCE., this piece tells a much greater story than its limited visual subject matter would lead its viewer to believe. In it’s roughly, 2ft. by 2ft. frame, the dense-looking gypsum gives a candid view of this winged genius, thought to be some sort of god or higher power. Facial expressions are limited to his profile. Serenity in the genius’s face shows a very friendly disposition while his large eyes with thick, content, eyebrows give him a wisdom that seems all-powerful. The genius’s long beard, with intricate stylized curls, also reinforces the attribute of wisdom. The hint of wings, that can almost be mistaken for hair, and his headdress put to rest any doubts that he should be equal to a regular man. Originally, this relief was a part of something much larger.

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