Table of Contents
Period: 3500 BCE – 539 BCE
Characteristics: Warrior art, narration in stone relief
Events: Sumerians invent writing (3400 BCE), Hammurabi writes his law code (1780 BCE), monotheism emerges
In the previous art history post, we explored the origins of art during the Stone Age. It all started with stone carvings and cave paintings and gradually evolved into intricate sculptures and pottery. The purpose of art during the Stone Age remains speculative. However, evidence suggests that it played a significant role in religious contexts. As settled communities and city life emerged, for example, in Mesopotamia, art took on new roles and was an important part of a transformative shift in human history.
Mesopotamia, also known as the land between the rivers, is one of the oldest epicentres of civilization. It gets its name in the fertile crescent formed by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Today, that area is located in modern-day Iraq. This region, known as the cradle of civilization, witnessed the flourishing of numerous ancient civilizations, such as the Sumerians, Babylonians, Akkadians, and Assyrians.
Mesopotamian art has profoundly impacted human civilisation, and its influence can still be seen today. The Mesopotamians were pioneers in many fields, including architecture, sculpture, and pottery. They developed new techniques and styles that were later adopted by other civilisations. For example, the Sumerians were the first to create a writing system, allowing them to record their history and culture. This system of writing, known as cuneiform, later spread to Babylonia and Assyria.
Characteristics of Mesopotamian Art
The art of Mesopotamia dates back to the Neolithic period when humans first settled down and developed agriculture. It was deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs and rituals and served as a conduit for representing their gods and goddesses. The Mesopotamians believed that these deities ruled their everyday life and that they had to appease them through various offerings and practices. Related to that, the art also reflected the pivotal role of kings in their society. It often featured monarchs and other rulers on a grandiose scale to signify their power and legitimacy.
Apart from religious and royal art, the Mesopotamians also produced functional art. They applied decorative elements to everyday objects such as pottery and tools. Those elements served an aesthetic purpose and differentiated them by their function or ownership. The utility-driven nature of their art is also reflected in their use of cylinder seals, which served as a form of identification and authentication. These seals often bore intricate illustrations that narrated a tale, a historical event, or a mythological story.
Different People, Different Emphasises
The Sumerian civilisation, which emerged around 4000 BCE, produced some of Mesopotamia’s most ancient and intricate artworks. Sumerian art was known for its rich symbolism, meticulous detail, and strong emphasis on religious and political narratives. Artworks of the time often depicted gods, goddesses, and rulers and were used to convey important religious and political concepts. Sumerian artistic conventions profoundly influenced the subsequent Babylonian and Assyrian civilisations.
The Assyrians, who emerged around 2500 BCE, were known for their monumental sculptures and elaborate reliefs, which often glorified their rulers and military conquests. Their artwork frequently featured scenes of warfare, hunting, and victories over adversaries. Additionally, the Assyrians demonstrated exceptional prowess in metallurgy, crafting detailed and expressive sculptures in bronze and iron.
The Akkadian civilisation emerged around 2334 BCE and was deeply rooted in Sumerian traditions. However, Akkadian art demonstrated a sharper focus on realism, with sculptures presenting detailed depictions of human and animal figures, often imbued with a sense of motion and emotion. Akkadian artists also incorporated symbols and inscriptions in their creations, reinforcing the significance of language and writing in their culture.
The Babylonians, who emerged around 1800 BCE, were famous for their grandiose architecture, including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. That garden, credited to King Nebuchadnezzar II, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They were an engineering marvel adorned with lush vegetation and exquisite flowers spread across terraced gardens, creating an illusion of hanging foliage. Babylonian art also featured intricate carvings, sculptures, murals, and mosaics.
Ziggurats
Ziggurats were massive tiered structures used as religious temples in ancient Mesopotamia. They were particularly prominent in Babylonian and Assyrian civilisations. The Babylonian ziggurats were unique due to their size, complexity, and religious importance. These structures were built using a series of diminishing terraces, each smaller than the one below it. They were often adorned with intricate designs and reliefs. At the top of the ziggurat was a shrine or temple, believed to be the dwelling place of a god or goddess.
The Babylonian ziggurats served as both religious epicentres and administrative and economic hubs. They were managed by a comprehensive network of priests, administrators, and workers responsible for their upkeep and operation. Although many Babylonian ziggurats have been destroyed over time, their influence on architecture and religious practices can still be seen in modern-day Iraq and its neighbouring regions.
Examples of the Art of Mesopotamia
Undoubtedly, Mesopotamia’s art is a fascinating subject, and numerous examples of magnificent artwork are available. From the intricate carvings on the walls of ancient temples to the detailed pottery and jewellery, there is much to admire in Mesopotamian art. In brief, some of the most notable examples include the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, the Code of Hammurabi, and the Standard of Ur.
The Standard of Ur
The standard of Ur is one of the most famous examples of the art of Mesopotamia. It is an ancient wooden box that features intricate mosaics made of shells, lapis lazuli, and red limestone. It depicts scenes of conflict, peace, warriors, celebration, harmony, animals, and mythological creatures. Archaeologists discovered it in the royal cemetery of Ur. They believe it was ceremonial or diplomatic, symbolising the monarchs’ wealth, authority, and divine favour.
The Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi is another great example of the art of Mesopotamia. It is a monument that showcases the relationship between art, power, and justice. Hammurabi, a King of Babylon, had it made around 1750 BCE. The stele portrays him standing before the god of justice, Shamash, who is depicted as a sun god with divine radiance. This artwork symbolises Hammurabi’s religious authority and responsibility as the guardian of laws, maintaining order and harmony within the kingdom.
The Ishtar Gate
A third famous example of the art of Mesopotamia is the magnificent Ishtar Gate in Babylon. It was built by the Babylonians around 575 BCE. Its intricate blue-glazed tiles depicting majestic animals showcase their exceptional artistry and architectural skills. The gate was dedicated to the goddess Ishtar, symbolising Babylonian strength and prosperity. Its ruins can be seen at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
The Stele of Naram-Sin
The Stele of Naram-Sin is an impressive sculpture from the Akkadian Empire. It showcases the artistic and political achievements of its time. King Naram-Sin created it during his reign. The sculpture is two meters tall and made of pink limestone. It depicts the king in a triumphant pose, symbolising his military prowess and dominion over his enemies. The defeated enemies beneath his feet reinforce his superiority and highlight the hierarchical structure of ancient societies. The background of the stele is adorned with celestial symbols, associating the king with the gods and suggesting his divine right to rule.
Conclusion
Mesopotamian art has played a significant role in shaping human history and civilisation. It was deeply intertwined with religious beliefs and rituals and served as a conduit for representing gods and goddesses. The art also reflected the pivotal role of kings in their society and served as a means to convey important religious and political concepts. The Mesopotamians were pioneers in many fields, including architecture, sculpture, and pottery, and their influence can still be seen today.
