Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Fragment of a Head of a Colossal Lion

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Fragment of a Head of a Colossal Lion

The Achaemenid rulers of Persia (modern Iran) established an empire that lasted from 559 b.c. until it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 b.c. By that time, the Persian Empire controlled an area extending from Egypt through present-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey into India. The Achaemenid kings built huge palace complexes at Persepolis and Pasargadae in southern Iran and hired craftsmen from throughout the world to decorate them with sculpture and reliefs.

This fragmentary lion’s head—representing an eye and part of the muzzle—was part of the decoration of a palace. The modeling of its facial folds is highly stylized and, as on all Achaemenid representations of lions, its mouth is open to snarl or roar.



• Medium: Bituminous Limestone
• Place Made: Iran
• Dates: 5th-4th century B.C.E.
• Period: Persian Period
• Dimensions: 8 7/8 x 9 13/16 in. (22.6 x 25 cm)
• Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Middle Eastern Art, The Hagop Kevorkian Gallery, 3rd Floor
• Accession Number: L54.3
• Credit Line: Collection of Robin B. Martin
• Image: Overall, L54.3_view1_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2009
Fragment of a Head of a Colossal Lion, 5th-4th century B.C.E. Bituminous Limestone, 8 7/8 x 9 13/16 in. (22.6 x 25 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Collection of Robin B. Martin, L54.3 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, L54.3_view1_PS2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Fragment in bituminous limestone of head of lion, an architectural detail. Preserved, left side and central area of face from forehead to upper jaw. Face highly sylized with usual folds of flesh above nose and on upper jaw. Condition: Preserved portion intact. Crack runs down left side of nose.