Artwork
Assyrian sculpture of a winged bull, London, British Museum
Assyrian sculpture of a winged bull, London, British Museum is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist J. Davis Burton. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A sepia-toned photograph from 1864, attributed to J.
About this work
Overview
A sepia-toned photograph from 1864, attributed to J. Davis Burton, documents a monumental Assyrian stone sculpture on display.
Subject & Meaning
The sculpture depicts a winged bull with a human face, accompanied by a stiffly carved attendant figure. The statue's worn surface suggests significant age and wear.
Technique & Style
The sculpture is characterized by stiff, blocky carving and prominent wings. The photograph's grainy texture and sepia tone reflect the photographic techniques of the 1860s.
History & Provenance
The sculpture is housed in the British Museum in London, as indicated by the display setting and accompanying plaque in the photograph.
Artist & collection
Artist
J. Davis Burton lugged a tripod around London’s British Museum for weeks, hunting details tourists miss—like the way Assyrian winged bulls had five legs (two on each side, one hidden when standing). He wasn’t after…
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