Artwork

Assyrian sculpture of an eagle-headed genius, worshipping, Paris, Louvre

Assyrian sculpture of an eagle-headed genius, worshipping, Paris, Louvre, by Unknown, photographic, 1884
Assyrian sculpture of an eagle-headed genius, worshipping, Paris, Louvre, by Unknown, photographic, 1884

Assyrian sculpture of an eagle-headed genius, worshipping, Paris, Louvre is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts an Assyrian sculpture of a human figure with eagle wings.

About this work

Overview

This photograph depicts an Assyrian sculpture of a human figure with eagle wings. The image is part of a collection once owned by John Singer Sargent, an American artist known for his portraits and murals.

Subject & Meaning

The sculpture shows a figure with eagle wings and a curved knife, clasping its hands in prayer. The calm face and draped body suggest a ritual or worship context, possibly related to ancient Assyrian religious practices.

History & Provenance

John Singer Sargent owned this photograph as part of a collection of 611 images. After his death in 1925, his sisters donated the collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where it was valued for its educational potential and classified geographically.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known