King and Eunuch Attendant; Neo-Assyrian period, reign of Ashurnasirpal II (r. 883–859 B.C.)
Mesopotamia; excavated at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu)
Alabaster (gypsum)
Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr., 1932 (32.143.4)

The Assyrian king assumed many roles. He was the commander-in-chief of the army, director of a huge bureaucracy, and chief priest of the god Ashur, the supreme deity of the Assyrian pantheon.

On this relief slab, the king Ashurnasirpal II wears the royal crown, a conical cap with a small peak, and a long diadem. He holds a bow, a symbol of his authority, and a ceremonial bowl. Facing him, a eunuch, the "beardless one," carries a fly whisk and ladle for replenishing the royal vessel. The ritual nature of the scene is reflected in the calm, dignified composure of the figures.

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