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Master of Animals Finial
1100 BCE-700 BCE6 11/16 x 2 11/16 x 7/8 in. (17 x 6.8 x 2.2 cm)
Iranian artist
Iran
Object Type:
Metalwork
Medium and Support:
Bronze
Credit Line:
R. T. Miller Fund
Accession Number:
1948.5
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
E. S. David, Long Island City, NY (dealer); purchased from him by the Gallery in 1948
Keywords
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Additional Images
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Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
- Persian Art 12/5/1966 - 1/29/1967
Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- Article Scope: Reproduction only. Rochester Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester Handbook. Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press, 1961.
Portfolio List
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