Bidspirit auction | A RARE ALABASTER RELIEF PLAQUE

A RARE ALABASTER RELIEF PLAQUE WITH FIGURAL SCENE, MESOPOTAMIA, POSSIBLY 2ND MILLENNIUM BC. - A carved alabaster relief plaque of rectangular form, attributed to the Ancient Near Eastern / Mesopotamian tradition and stylistically associated with the Old Babylonian period, 2nd millennium BC. The front is carved in pronounced relief with a complex figural composition comprising several human figures beneath the dominating form of a large quadruped. At the centre, two figures are shown closely engaged, one extending an arm towards the other, while additional figures flank the scene. The precise narrative is uncertain, though the arrangement may relate to a mythological, ritual or symbolic episode. The sculptor has exploited the naturally banded alabaster to striking effect, the cream, honey and darker grey-brown veins passing continuously through the figures and background. The reverse is also carved in relief with the body and legs of the large animal, creating an unusual composition that effectively extends around both faces of the stone. Approximately 36 x 19.5cm