Mesopotamian Art Analysis

In the artwork above, formal elements such as composition and iconography, as well as visual systems such as hieratic scale, highlight aspects of life in ancient Mesopotamia, which heavily influenced the way supreme power was perceived among citizens and enemies.
In order to understand the power implications behind both, the formal choices and the iconography, it is important to describe the artwork in greater detail, while at the same time explaining the relevance and context of certain aspects of the piece in question. To begin, the Mesopotamian artwork above is a low relief sculpture plaque made out of ivory-colored stone, which is rendered through subtractive techniques such as carving and chiseling. One can tell that both techniques
Starting from the bottom register, there are standing individuals carrying what seem to be musical instruments; one of them is a harp-like instrument. The inclusion of instruments can be said to reinforce an underlying theme of celebration that is frequently depicted in Mesopotamian art, and which is congruent with public displays of power. In the middle register, there are two standing figures carrying a basket with some sort of liquid, one carrying a lamb, and two figures carrying undefined objects on their heads. Similar to the rationale behind including instruments in the bottom register, the inclusion of food can be symbolic of both celebratory gatherings and displays of abundance which were pertinent depictions of power in ancient Mesopotamia. On the top and last register, two figures are placed sitting across from one another, both holding leaves and cup-like objects; in the same register, three standing figures who appear to be servants, are presenting the seated figures with goods and offerings. The use of hieratic scale-enlarging prominent figures- is evident because the seated figures are as tall as the ones who are standing. The fact that there are two figures who are both seated and larger, alludes to the fact that they represent either royalty or gods, thus connoting the importance Mesopotamians attributed
Even though a register itself means only a manner in which one horizontally divides a work of art, in this particular piece, the formal element serves another purpose- to inform the viewer that the figures on the top register are either important, or figures who are in the direct presence of someone who is. The stylistic choice of using registers reinforces the notion that the artwork’s overarching theme is that of power, which is displayed in almost every aspect of the piece, and is verified through the consideration of the context in which it was created- a culture that thrived by using force as a means of gaining power, and subsequently holding feasts to further display who was in