Lion and Bull- 60″ x 48″

The prominent stone relief stand on the Eastern Façades of the eastern and western staircases of the Palace of Darius, Tachara at Persepolis. Illumination-sunrise, depicts the eastern staircase.

The images are very powerful. Many scholars and historians believe this figure symbolizes rebirth or the coming of the New Year equivalent to the vernal equinox- the celebration of Nowruz. The mighty lion represents the face of the sun pouncing on the bull, which represents the face of the moon. Both of the mythical creatures are immortal, expressing two kinds of immortality. The lion bringing the New Year with the light of the sun, and the bull representing the old year as the light dims.

Illumination – How will you shine?

Location: Pasargadae
A righteous ruler, Cyrus the Great instilled moral values and ethics in the Persian Empire from the very beginning.
This monument is located at Pasargadae, the first capital city of the Achaemenid dynasty, about 40 km north east of Persepolis.
The carving is in a “simple manner” which was typical of this early period.

Cyrus’s Inscription in three languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian

“ I am Cyrus the king, an Achaemenian.”

Location: Persepolis, Apadana Palace, eastern portico, southern staircase.

Babylonian delegation ushered by a Median noble is presenting an ox to the king. He’s dressed in a fancy cloak with a fringe on the side and a triangular hat with a fringe on the back. Other Babylonian delegations carry lengths of textiles made of wool. An actual piece of textile with Persian motifs has been found preserved in ice in Siberia. It is now on display at the Hermitage Museum/ St. Petersburg, Russia.
Bactrian/Parthian is led by a Median usher. The Parthian wears a headband and a belt over a tunic with trousers tucked in boots. He’s carrying a metal drinking bowl of wine. There’s been a 20 cm golden bowl found in Iran and on display at the Iran National museum. Other images show Bactrians carrying beakers and a two-humped camel.

Location: Persepolis, Apadana Palace, eastern portico, southern Staircase
All Nations: Ionian Greek and Assyrian representatives
Ionian Greek delegation is carrying a ball of wool as a gift for the king on Nowruz. He is ushered by a Persian noble. Ionians do not wear a hat or head covering of any sort. They wear garments with a fringe at the bottom.Other Ionians carry lengths of cloth and bowls.
Assyrian delegation is also ushered by a Persian noble and is offering two rams to the king as presents on Nowruz. The Assyrians wear simple hats and garments. They also carry oxen in the procession.

This partial face spoke to me.  No eyes, yet the expression on his lips speak of pride.  The stone Persian rosettes are filled with hope.

Symbiosis (as in the relationship of the moss and stones)? Perhaps. The relief shows a Persian flower on a rock by itself.  The rock tolerates the relief.  Then there’s some weed poking out of the ground, and a blade of grass. The pebbles on the ground, the weeds and the larger rock holding the relief of the Persian flower all tolerate one another. Once painted, now the relief on canvas must bear my autograph. This takes tolerance too.
Tolerance, humans are no less.

Diversity was embraced during the Achaemenid Dynasty of the Persian Empire. In the procession of Iranshahr dignitaries, Persian and Median nobles are holding hands at Apadana Hall, Persepolis.
Unity – A successful nation is a united nation where people respect each other and stand together.

The solitary Tomb of Cyrus the Great was built on the open Murghab plain on the Southern edge of Pasargadae. The structure consists of large blocks of fine white limestone that stack up to 36 feet for the funerary chamber. The lowest step is the height of a man.
Some texts mention that Cyrus’s tomb was erected by Cyrus prior to his departure. Surrounding the Tomb were columns (now in ruins) and a garden. There were two palaces at Pasargadae set in an extensive garden which had an irrigation system- stone lined water channels (this system is still seen today). It is said that Cyrus was very proud of his garden and took part in planting the trees and shrubs himself.
Architecturally, the Tomb of Cyrus was distinctly different from the city and palace planning in other areas such as Babylonia and Assyria.

“I am Cyrus who founded the empire of the Persians. Grudge me not therefore this little earth that covers my body”.

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.