Southern Mesopotamia / Seated statue of Gudea / 2150-2100 B.C.

Southern Mesopotamia
Seated statue of Gudea
2150-2100 B.C.
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Creator Nationality: Asian; Middle Eastern; Mesopotamian
Creator Active Place: Southern Mesopotamia
Creator Name-CRT: Southern Mesopotamia
Title: Seated statue of Gudea
View: Full View
Creation Start Date: -215
Creation End Date: -210
Creation Date: 2150-2100 B.C.
Object Type: Sculpture
Classification Term: Statues
Materials and Techniques: Diorite
Dimensions: H. 17.3 in. (44 cm)
AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York, USA
ID Number: 59.2
Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1959
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/
Context:

The Akkadian Empire collapsed after two centuries of rule, and during the succeeding fifty years, local kings ruled independent city-states in southern Mesopotamia. The city-state of Lagash produced a remarkable number of statues of its kings as well as Sumerian literary hymns and prayers under the rule of Gudea (ca. 2150-2125 B.C.) and his son Ur-Ningirsu (ca. 2125-2100 B.C.). Unlike the art of the Akkadian period, which was characterized by dynamic naturalism, the works produced by this Neo-Sumerian culture are pervaded by a sense of pious reserve and serenity.

This sculpture belongs to a series of diorite statues commissioned by Gudea, who devoted his energies to rebuilding the great temples of Lagash and installing statues of himself in them. Many inscribed with his name and divine dedications survive. Here, Gudea is depicted in the seated pose of a ruler before his subjects, his hands folded in a traditional gesture of greeting and prayer. The Sumerian inscription on his robe lists the various temples that he built or renovated in Lagash and names the statue itself, 'Gudea, the man who built the temple; may his life be long.'

AMICA ID: MMA_.59.2
AMICA Library Year: 2000
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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