Akkadica
Assyriological Center
Georges Dossin
Georges Dossin
|
Akkadica Assyriological Center
Georges Dossin |
Conspectus Librorum - Book Review:
Order: Academic Press Fribourg Pérolles 42 CH-1700 Fribourg - Switserland Fax: +41-(0)26-426 4300 eduni@st-paul.ch Compilation of nine essays (two of which previously unpublished) by a leading Assyriologist focusing on the role of visual imagery in Assyrian propaganda and illustrated with 4 line-drawings and 33 plates. The Assyrian sacred tree is the central topic of the first four contributions: "Assyrian Bas-reliefs at Bowdoin College", pp. 1-10; "Sacred Trees and Date Palms", pp. 11-20; "The Meaning of the Assyrian Tree Image", pp. 21-30 and "Seasonal Time and Eternity in Ancient Assyria", pp. 31-38). In "Conquest or Kudurrus?" (pp. 39-46), the author interprets Esarhaddon's "Black Stone" as a kudurru, an emblem of his Babylonian policy in the early years of his reign. Remaining in Babylonia, the analysis of a set of four typologically related steles reveals the risks of using visual images as tools of public persuasion ("The Representation of Assurbanipal as a Basket-Bearing King in Babylonia", pp. 47-58). In "Assyrian Propaganda for the West" (pp. 59-79) on the contrary, a more effective impact of Assyrian propaganda is highlighted on the hand of Esarhaddon's Til Barsip and Sam'al steles. Although focusing on the era of Assurnasirpal II, the final essay "Intimidation and Friendly Persuasion" (pp. 81-97) can be read as a conclusion on the mechanics of visual propaganda in a culturally diverse empire and the political agenda behind the choice of iconographic motifs. Assyriologists, students of Near Eastern art and history as well as anyone interested in iconographical studies are indebted to the author and editor for this wealth of new insights, not to mention the additional effort to supply readers with a most practical index. Eric Gubel |