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A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins

Austen Henry Layard , 1849

A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins, by Austen Henry Layard, watercolor, 1849
A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins, by Austen Henry Layard, watercolor, 1849

A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Austen Henry Layard. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour depicts a reconstructed Assyrian palace room, based on Layard's excavations at Nimrud.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour depicts a reconstructed Assyrian palace room, based on Layard's excavations at Nimrud. It showcases the artist's interpretation of ancient Assyrian architecture and sculpture.

Subject & Meaning

The painting represents the principal ceremonial room in the palace of King Ashurnasirpal II, featuring man-headed winged bulls. It conveys the grandeur and power of the Assyrian kingdom, as described in biblical accounts.

Technique & Style

Layard's watercolour combines actual remains with imaginative reconstruction, resulting in a vivid representation of ancient Assyrian splendour. Some details are now known to be inaccurate, reflecting the limitations of archaeological knowledge at the time.

History & Provenance

The watercolour was reproduced as a lithograph in Layard's book 'The Monuments of Nineveh' in 1849. It played a role in popularizing Assyrian archaeology and influencing artistic and literary works, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti's poem 'The Burden of Nineveh'.

Legacy

Layard's discoveries and reconstructions, including this watercolour, inspired poets and artists, and contributed to the creation of the 'Assyrian Court' at the relocated Great Exhibition building in Sydenham, South London.

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Artist & collection

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins?

A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins was painted by Austen Henry Layard in 1849.

Where can I see A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins?

A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins?

A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins?

Museum-quality prints of A Hall In An Assyrian Temple Or Palace, Restored From Actual Remains, And From Fragments Discovered In The Ruins are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.