Artwork
Assyrian sculpture of a winged bull, London, British Museum
Assyrian sculpture of a winged bull, London, British Museum is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist J. Davis Burton. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A sepia-toned photograph from 1864, attributed to J.
About this work
Overview
A sepia-toned photograph from 1864, attributed to J. Davis Burton, documents a monumental Assyrian stone sculpture on display.
Subject & Meaning
The sculpture depicts a winged bull with a human face, accompanied by a stiffly carved attendant figure. The statue's worn surface suggests significant age and wear.
Technique & Style
The sculpture is characterized by stiff, blocky carving and prominent wings. The photograph's grainy texture and sepia tone reflect the photographic techniques of the 1860s.
History & Provenance
The sculpture is housed in the British Museum in London, as indicated by the display setting and accompanying plaque in the photograph.
Artist & collection
Artist
J. Davis Burton lugged a tripod around London’s British Museum for weeks, hunting details tourists miss, like the way Assyrian winged bulls had five legs (two on each side, one hidden when standing). He wasn’t after…
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