Essay about The Assyrian Winged Protective Deity and...

A piece of art can leave distinct impressions with the viewer. The Assyrian Winged Protective Deity provides a plethora of stimulants for the eye. The relief emulates brute strength and power through the overall stature of the figure. The cuneiform writing above the relief greatly influenced the impression a viewer can receive through its narration about the figure. Other than Gilgamesh and the Assyrian Winged Protective Deity both being from Mesopotamia, they have numerous similarities. The Assyrian Winged Protective Deity is a very imposing figure. It measures around seven and a half feet tall (Relief of a Winged Genius). This shows the figures importance, even if the viewer did not know it protected the king from harm. Originally, it†¦show more content†¦Strength embodies this figure, the strong man who treads on the necks of his foes, who crushes all of his enemies (Relief of a Winged Genius). The strength of this king was shown through the deitys impressive muscles on its arms and legs. Military prowess also exemplifies through the figure holding a scepter in his hand, so he can crush his enemies in battle. This figure illustrates true power, whose hand has conquered all lands (Relief of a Winged Genius). The reliefs other hand shows this, in that it is stretched out to demonstrate everything he has accomplished. This deity acted as an agent for the gods, the king, who with the help of the great gods (Relief of a Winged Genius). The wings display this aspect, because they represent a divine symbol, which was needed to help guard the king. Other than the influence of divine power, Gilgamesh and the king from the Assyrian Winged Protective Deity have many similarities. The gods give their assistance to the king mentioned in the Assyrian Winged Protective Deity, but they provide Gilgamesh with support as well. Gilgamesh receives dreams from the god Shamash to give him strength during uncertain times, and the relief has wings from the gods to show their influence to protect the king. Both figures represent the lives of kings. However, the king mentioned in the relief is Assyrian, while Gilgamesh is Sumerian, which means these two figures not only came from different