A colossal task

March 29, 2001
Vol. 20 No. 13

A colossal task

The Oriental Institute is recreating the splendor of ancient Assyria in a new installation surrounding the institute’s 40-ton, human-headed winged bull. Workmen are installing colossal reliefs that once adorned the palace of Assyiran King Sargon II, who reigned from 721 to 705 B.C. The reliefs will stand on either side of the bull, recreating the ambience of the entrance to Sargon’s throne room. The reliefs were exhibited elsewhere in the Oriental Institute’s galleries before they were moved for the re-installation. Karen Wilson, Director of the Oriental Institute Museum, points out a detail of one of the reliefs to Chicago Tribune reporter William Mullen.