Fragmentary portrait of Gudea

Gudea, ruler of the city-state of Lagash in ancient Mesopotamia, commissioned many portraits of himself as builder of cities and temples. This massive statue was probably for a temple, showing him as we see him in the image here, a faithful worshipper of the gods: like many ancient rulers, he claimed they spoke to him in his dreams. His portraits, carved in hard stones imported from Oman, present a carefully curated image: priestly, regal and austere.