Colossal Statue of Shapur I
Colossal Statue of Shapur I
This colossal statue of King Shapur I has achieved a different state of preservation The Shapur Cave a large limestone cave located approximately 35 meters from the entrance of the cave in Sasanid Persia is located on the fourth of five levels. Its varied shape and irregular arrangement exudes exquisite sculptural intricacy The hair on the left side of the statue is intact while the ends of the hair on the right are broken The colossal statue's attire including the ornaments carved on the upper garment are striking The top of the sculpture is tightly aligned with the body resembling a blazing flame
The folds that occasionally wrap around the sculpture's original legs are not merely aesthetic reasons The anonymous sculptor who created the colossal statue of Shapur I is unknown in the ancient Near East No other statue of this size has been discovered in the Sassanian period and the sculpture was painstakingly rebuilt using two concrete pillars located near the original base The colossal statue of Shapur I has been known in Europe since at least 1811
The collapse of the statue with its arms completely separated and its variegated preservation likely resulted from damage caused by earthquakes that occurred between the 15th and 1st centuries Various earthquakes in various regions have been observed to have affected ancient Bisāpur throughout its history with major earthquakes occurring approximately every decade. While the towers on both sides and the back remain intact the colossal statue's hairstyle showcases the elaborate shoulder and chest highlighting the king's upper arms which are sculpted with tight sculpted jewelry Three additional pieces of jewelry are also included a necklace a large pearl earring and a bracelet on the right wrist In the colossal statue of Shapur I
The folds that occasionally wrap around the sculpture's original legs are not merely aesthetic reasons The anonymous sculptor who created the colossal statue of Shapur I is unknown in the ancient Near East No other statue of this size has been discovered in the Sassanian period and the sculpture was painstakingly rebuilt using two concrete pillars located near the original base The colossal statue of Shapur I has been known in Europe since at least 1811
Plate with Shapur II in hunting scene view 2 Iran Sasanian period 4th century AD silver and gilt - Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
The collapse of the statue with its arms completely separated and its variegated preservation likely resulted from damage caused by earthquakes that occurred between the 15th and 1st centuries Various earthquakes in various regions have been observed to have affected ancient Bisāpur throughout its history with major earthquakes occurring approximately every decade. While the towers on both sides and the back remain intact the colossal statue's hairstyle showcases the elaborate shoulder and chest highlighting the king's upper arms which are sculpted with tight sculpted jewelry Three additional pieces of jewelry are also included a necklace a large pearl earring and a bracelet on the right wrist In the colossal statue of Shapur I
