Investiture of Zimri-Lim: Difference between revisions
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Three rectangular parts make up the composition of the painting. The scene depicted in the large rectangular frame is strictly symmetrical which facilitates the reconstruction of the damaged part to the left. The scene depicts a garden of Palms and another mythical tree with a red trunk and blue leafs and two Lama goddesses raising their hands in prayer. Three mythic animals, a lion, a sphinx and a bull with a human head, are depicted each on a ground line. The animals are symmetrically placed on each side and are turned towards the central scene in the painting. Flying doves which symbolize the pacific aspects of Ishtar counterbalance the lion which symbolizes her aggression. |
Three rectangular parts make up the composition of the painting. The scene depicted in the large rectangular frame is strictly symmetrical which facilitates the reconstruction of the damaged part to the left. The scene depicts a garden of Palms and another mythical tree with a red trunk and blue leafs and two Lama goddesses raising their hands in prayer. Three mythic animals, a lion, a sphinx and a bull with a human head, are depicted each on a ground line. The animals are symmetrically placed on each side and are turned towards the central scene in the painting. Flying doves which symbolize the pacific aspects of Ishtar counterbalance the lion which symbolizes her aggression. |
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The central composition is made up of two rectangular registers framed by six parallel lines of different colors. The lower part is symmetrical and symbolizes the fertility and prosperity of Zimrlim's reign. It shows goddesses dispensing water from round vases out of which vegetation is sprouting where fish is swimming in the water streams. |
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The upper part depicts the central scene of the solemn investiture. It is composed of five persons standing against a blank background. Ishtar is depicted wearing her divine crown with weapons sprouting from her shoulders and a sickle-sword in her left hand and presenting the king with the symbols of authority (a ring and a staff). The king is extending his left hand to the goddess while his right hand is depicted against his mouth in a symbol of prayer. Either side of the king and the goddess stands a Lama goddess wearing a horned headdress. To the right stands [[Ninshubur]], the vassal of Ishtar. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 10:56, 7 October 2012
| The Investiture of Zimrilim | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Material | Mural painting on white plaster |
| Size | 4.25 square metres (45.7 sq ft) |
| Height | 1.7 metres (5 ft 7 in) |
| Width | 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) |
| Created | c. 18th-century BC |
| Period/culture | Amorite |
| Discovered | 1935-1936 |
| Place | Royal palace of Mari, Syria |
| Present location | Musée du Louvre, Paris |
| Identification | AO 19826 |
The Investiture of Zimrilim is a large colorful mural discovered at the Royal palace of the ancient city-state of Mari in eastern Syria. The fresco depicts Zimrilim, king of Mari, receiving the symbols of rule (a ring and a staff) from the goddess Ishtar. The painting was discovered in-situ on its original wall located opposite the great doorway to the podium room leading to the throne room of the palace. It was discovered by French archaeologist André Parrot during excavations at Mari in 1935-1936. It is now displayed at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France.[1]
Overview
Three rectangular parts make up the composition of the painting. The scene depicted in the large rectangular frame is strictly symmetrical which facilitates the reconstruction of the damaged part to the left. The scene depicts a garden of Palms and another mythical tree with a red trunk and blue leafs and two Lama goddesses raising their hands in prayer. Three mythic animals, a lion, a sphinx and a bull with a human head, are depicted each on a ground line. The animals are symmetrically placed on each side and are turned towards the central scene in the painting. Flying doves which symbolize the pacific aspects of Ishtar counterbalance the lion which symbolizes her aggression.
The central composition is made up of two rectangular registers framed by six parallel lines of different colors. The lower part is symmetrical and symbolizes the fertility and prosperity of Zimrlim's reign. It shows goddesses dispensing water from round vases out of which vegetation is sprouting where fish is swimming in the water streams.
The upper part depicts the central scene of the solemn investiture. It is composed of five persons standing against a blank background. Ishtar is depicted wearing her divine crown with weapons sprouting from her shoulders and a sickle-sword in her left hand and presenting the king with the symbols of authority (a ring and a staff). The king is extending his left hand to the goddess while his right hand is depicted against his mouth in a symbol of prayer. Either side of the king and the goddess stands a Lama goddess wearing a horned headdress. To the right stands Ninshubur, the vassal of Ishtar.
References
- ^ Claire, Iselin. "Mural painting". Musée du Louvre. Retrieved 7 October 2012.