Magnificence – Gate of all Nations
Location: Persepolis
Gate of all Nations was built by Xerxes, an Achaemenid king. This is where All Nations went through to pay homage to the King on New Year’s Day, Nowruz festival. A multicultural empire, the influences of the subjects manifest in the art. Guarding the entrance, the enormous mythical animal is the mighty winged Persian lamasu which bears similarities to the Assyrian lamasu. The creature protects the inhabitants of Persia from evil forces.
The Persian lamasu symbolizes the might of the nation. He appears adorned in jewels, is welcoming, yet stern. The Gate of All Nations in Persepolis has four columns between the gates. The columns are the ruins of Apadana Hall in Persepolis. In front of the columns are the remaining walls of the western façade of Tachara, Darius’s palace bearing reliefs of the immortals. The center panel contains Old Persian cuneiform by Artaxerxes. The wings above Persepolis are the wings of Ahuramazda (seen in many reliefs), the all powerful force of good against the evil force Ahriman. The Old Persian cuneiform writing around the left edge of the painting is Darius’s prayer for Persia: May Ahuramazda protect this country from enemies, from famine, and from lies and deceit.
The overall design of the painting is Cyrus’s Cylinder unrolled.
Hi your site is totally epic! your pictures make me smile whenever I look at them! I especially like “strength”- griffin.
Best wishes for your awesome art!!!!:)
Hello
I enjoyed all your art work and believe that each of them had a message for me. I really like this piece because when I look at this beautiful painting, I feel that the face you have created is calling me. It seems that he has a message for me to receieve. His message to me is to let others know about the rich history of Persian Empire. I believe he wants me to observe what I have learned and educate others. Although, I see sorrow in his eye, I believe he is looking directly at me to convey his message. Thank you for this amazing exhibit.