FLOOR.] 
NBIROUD GALLERY. 
77 
in an isolated situation. It is here placed, for the purpose of comparison, 
opposite to some slabs of similar subject. 
Nos. 37-40. A collection of bas-reliefs, representing what are believed 
to be religious rites. In each group two figures are seen, standing or 
kneeling before a species of tree, whose foliage is sculptured similarly to 
that known as the " honeysuckle ornament " of Greek architecture and 
vase-painting ; one hand of each figure is raised, and generally holds 
some mystic offering or symbol, such as a fir-cone, a pomegranate- 
branch, a necklace, &c. 
Upon the West side of the room is a similar subject (No. 2), on a 
bas-relief within a boldly-projected border ; two kings are here intro- 
duced in the conventional attitude of sacrifice or adoration, and each 
attended by a winged and triple-horned figure ; above the mystic tree 
is the symbol of Divinity, sometimes described under the Persian name 
of Ferouher, being a small figure within a winged circle, holding a ring. 
The same symbol reappears, under a modified form, in some of the 
battle-scenes, where the Divinity seems to watch over the person of the 
king, and sometimes draws a bow at his enemies. 
The double frieze, which next succeeds, may be regarded as illus- 
trating the prowess of Sardanapalus, both in the chase and in war. 
First come the hunting-scenes — Nos. 3<i and 36, a bull-hunt, and the 
successful return ; Nos. 4a and 4&, a lion-hunt, with similar sequel. 
Afterwards the military scenes, among which maybe distinguished — 
Nos. 76-9Z?. The passage of a river by the king and his army. The 
chariots are embarked in boats ; the horses swim behind, guided by 
halters ; many of the soldiers are likewise swimming, supported by 
skins inflated with air ; others on shore are inflating skins previously 
to entering the stream. 
Nos. Wb-l^h. The capitulation of a city, and the king receiving the 
prisoners and spoil, a subject extending over a part of slab No. VSh. 
The original of No. 12& was so shattered, that Mr. Layard did not 
attempt to retnove it, but made a careful drawing, from which has been 
executed the painting which here fills the vacant space. 
Nos. lla-I3a. The return from battle. To the left is seen the 
ground plan of a circular building, divided into four apartments, in 
each of which are figures preparing food ; adjoining is a tent, with 
horses and grooms ; beyond are soldiers at their games, and musicians ; 
and to the right, the king in a triumphal procession. 
Nos. l^h-lbh. Siege of a city by Sardanapalus, a subject presenting 
many curious details of military architecture and engineering, both 
aggressive and defensive; walls with serrated parapets, arched gate- 
ways with ornamental mouldings ; the assailants at once mining, breach- 
ing, and scaling ; a battering-ram plied from the interior of a moveable 
machine, surmounted by a tower, which is filled with archers and 
sliugers ; the besieged lowering grappling-irons from a bastion to catch 
the ram, and hurling firebrands to ignite the machine ; the besiegers 
playing water on the flames; and each side discharging arrows and stones. 
No. 16a. Upper part of a male figure, with the eyes and hair tinted 
