FILTER RESULTS
Master of Animals Finial
799 BCE - 700 BCE7 5/16 x 2 13/16 x 7/8 in. (18.6 x 7.1 x 2.3 cm)
Iranian artist
Iran
Iranian; made in Luristan
Object Type:
Metalwork
Medium and Support:
Bronze
Credit Line:
Gift of Henry Hirschland
Accession Number:
2007.35
Location: Currently on view
Theories abound as to the meaning, symbolism, and function of these ancient bronze finials that represent the “Master of Animals,” one of the most important motifs in ancient Middle Eastern art. The central figure is a human male, his outstretched arms grasping the neck of long-snouted two-headed beasts with the beaks of eagles and round haunches with clawed feet. The figure may represent Gilgamesh, the superhuman hero of Mesopotamian mythology, or Sraosha, the early Iranian god of justice. What seems clear, though, is that this finial symbolizes humankind’s dominion over the predatory forces of nature.
-- from "Art at the Crossroads" brochure
-- from "Art at the Crossroads" brochure
Provenance
Purchased in Germany before 1938; from those purchasers to their son, Henry Hirschland, Canandaigua, NY; his gift to the Gallery in 2007
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Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- MAGazine. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery
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