Plaster Relief of Seljuqs: Cavalries, Dragon and Lion

Plaster Relief of Anatolian Seljuks, dim carved marble represents a lion, dragon and cavalries.
Plaster Relief

Plaster Relief

Plaster Relief in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Sultanahmet, was made with moulded plaster by stucco technic. It belongs to period of Anatolian Seljuq (or Seljuk) and found in Konya, Turkey. This is one of the hunting scenes which exists a farreaching number in the craft of the Anatolian Seljuq's. Elaborate contemplations propose a date of the 7th-8th and 13th-14th centuries.

Elements in the Relief

Stars and Polygons in Plaster Relief of Anatolian Seljuks, examples of early symbolism in art.
Stars and Polygons in Plaster Relief
Middle area of the frieze delineates two horsemen in fight with a dragon and a lion. The wide upper fringe contains a geometric organization of interlocking stars and polygons, while blanks in the primary surface is filled with a botanical arrangement including spiraling rings and palmettes besides figures.


Lion in Plaster Relief of Anatolian Seljuks, example of use of symbolism in carving art.
Lion in Plaster Relief
Main part of the relief are filled with a representation of two horsemen depicted while confronting each other. The one on the left has been presented charging in order to kill the dragon, while the one on the right side was murdering the lion. Dresses and facial composes of both figures, are distinctively Seljuq. Animal figures such as stallions, lion and dragon, symbolize the devotion to nature. Additionally, the way of horseman pivots in the seat to push his sword into the lion, attributes the scene a dynamic air.



Asian or Christian Interaction?

Depiction of Dragon in the Plaster Relief of Anatolian Seljuks, an early example of symbolism in art.
Dragon in Plaster Relief
The depiction of a horseman killing a mythical beast was a famous subject in Anatolia in the Seljuq period and also previously. Epic scenes of Saint George murdering the dragon were delineated likewise in Christianity. However, the dragon which is a constant figure in pagan religions and old myths, could had been Christianized just like cross and other elements concerning paganism, yet it is still a dilemma that Seljuq Turks met dragon figure through Chinese culture which their ancient ancestors Huns had been neighbour to once, or through the Christian factors just like the Cappadocian Saint George.
Plaster Relief of Seljuqs: Cavalries, Dragon and Lion Plaster Relief of Seljuqs: Cavalries, Dragon and Lion Reviewed by Articonog on December 29, 2019 Rating: 5

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