The Hunter King | Special Display
Plate depicting a Sasanian king hunting lions on horseback
-
February 7 2024
Curator: Laura A. Peri
-
Permanent Exhibition Galleries, Archaeology Wing, Ancient Near East
Kings hunting lions are among the earliest royal images. Perceived as the most dangerous beast, the lion symbolized the hostile uncivilized world. Defeated and subdued, it became an attribute of warrior deities, and kings who overpowered this primeval foe were bestowed a godlike status.
The first known king depicted hunting lions on horseback was Ashurbanipal, the last great king of Assyria, in the 7th century BCE.
Plate depicting a Sasanian king hunting lions on horseback
Mazandaran (?), Iran, Qajar Period, early 20th century, after a 5th–6th-century work, tinned bronze
Gift of Iris Rabenou-Solomon, New York
Photo: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by Zohar Shemesh
MORE EXHIBITIONS
More Events
Apr 21Apr 24Apr 28May 05May 08May 12May 15May 19May 22May 26May 29
Apr 21Apr 28May 05May 12May 19May 26
May 05May 12May 19May 26
May 06May 13May 20May 27
May 13May 20May 27- May 06May 13May 20May 27
May 15- May 08May 15May 22May 29
- May 08May 15May 15May 22May 29
- May 08May 15May 22May 29
Apr 24May 08May 15May 22May 29
Apr 21Apr 24Apr 28May 05May 08May 15May 19May 22May 26May 29
Apr 26May 02May 03May 09May 10May 16May 17May 23May 24May 30May 31- May 03May 10May 17May 24May 31