Investiture of Zimri-Lim
| The Investiture of Zimri-Lim | |
|---|---|
Overview of the fresco | |
| Material | Mural painting on white plaster |
| Size | 4.25 square metres (45.7 sq ft) |
| Height | 1.7 metres (5 ft 7 in) |
| Width | 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) |
| Created | c. 18th century BC |
| Period/culture | Amorite |
| Discovered | 1935–1936 |
| Place | Royal palace of Mari, Syria |
| Present location | Musée du Louvre, Paris |
| Identification | AO 19826 |
The Investiture of Zimri-Lim is a large colorful mural discovered at the Royal Palace of the ancient city-state of Mari in eastern Syria. The fresco, which dates back to the 18th century BC, depicts Zimri-Lim, king of Mari, receiving the rod-and-ring symbol (a ring and a staff, symbols of rule) from the goddess Ishtar.[1] It was discovered by French archaeologist André Parrot during excavations at Mari in 1935–1936. The painting is now displayed at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France.
Overview
| Mari |
|---|
| Kings |
| Archaeology |
The painting is composed of three vertical panels arranged symmetrically, with the two outer sections framing the central one.[2] The middle panel is divided horizontally into two rectangular registers framed by six parallel lines of different colors.[3] The painting's symmetry facilitates the reconstruction of the damaged part on the left panel.[2]
The symbols and iconography of the mural are often compared to the figures atop the Stele of Hammurabi.[4]
Restoration
Gallery
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The central register depicting the scene of investiture.
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The winged lion symbolizes Ishtar's aggression.
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The Lama deity dispensing water from a round vase.
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Diagram of the mural.
See also
References
Citations
- ^ Iselin, Claire. "Mural painting". Musée du Louvre. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2012., see in a new link: [1]
- ^ a b Schmandt-Besserat, 2007, p. 55.
- ^ Schmandt-Besserat, 2007, p. 58.
- ^ Kuhrt, 1997, p. 102.
- ^ Schmandt-Besserat, 2007, p. 59.
Bibliography
- Schmandt-Besserat, Denise (2007). When Writing Met Art: From Symbol to Story. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press. ISBN 9780292713345.
- Kuhrt, Amélie (1997). Ancient Near East C. 3000–330 BC. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-16763-5.