About the creation

Layard’s reconstruction of the palace of Ashurnasirpal II

Artist name: Layard A. H.

Artist’s conception of a lamasu standing guard at the gates of Ashurnasirpal II’s palace. A lamasu is an Assyrian mythological creature with the body of a lion, wings, bull hooves, and a man’s head with a stylized beard. Its horned cap attests to its divinity, and the belt signifies power. It has five legs so that it appears to be standing firmly when viewed from the front but striding forward when seen from the side.

Technique: Drawing

Date: 1845