Sir Austen Henry Collection

Nisroch, Assyrian god, mid 19th century. Assyrian eagle-winged god Nisroch carrying a pine cone, the symbol of regeneration. Ancient Assyria, a kingdom of Mesoptamia, was located in modern Iraq

Excavating a low-relief carving of the Fish god Dagon, Nineveh, 1853. Artist: N Chevalier
Excavating a low-relief carving of the Fish god Dagon, Nineveh, 1853. Between 1845 and 1851 British archaeologist Austen Henry Layard (1817-1894)

The Palace of Kouyunjik, Restored. (After Layard), 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Palace of Kouyunjik, Restored. (After Layard), 1890. Daily life on the mound-ruin of Kouyunjik, palace of Sennacherib in Nineveh. From " Cassells Illustrated Universal History, Vol

The Palaces of Nimrud Restored, 1853. A reconstruction of the palaces built by the Assyrian King Ashurbanipal on the banks of the Tigris in the 7th century BC

A city taken by assault by the Assyrians, c1853, (c1900-1920). A 19th-century drawing of a bas-relief in the British Museum from the Assyrian empire (c7th century BC)

Assault on the City of Lachish, 700-692 BC, (c1900-1920). Artist: Sir Austen Henry Layard
Assault on the City of Lachish, 700-692 BC, (c1900-1920). A print after a 19th-century drawing from Layards Monuments of Nineveh

Assyrians moving a winged bull, c7th century BC, (c1900-1920). Artist: Sir Austen Henry Layard
Assyrians moving a winged bull, c7th century BC, (c1900-1920). A print after a 19th-century drawing from Layards Monuments of Nineveh

Right Hon Austen Henry Layard DCL, British Ambassador to Constantinople, 1877. Artist: Lock & Whitfield
Right Hon Austen Henry Layard DCL, British Ambassador to Constantinople, 1877. Between 1845 and 1851, Layard (1817-1894) excavated the remains of the ancient Assyrian capitals of Nimrud

Austen Henry Layard (1817-1894), British archaeologist, poltician and diplomat, 1851. Excavated Nimrud/Nineveh, Iraq. Wood engraving

Austen Henry Layard, English archaeologist, politician and diplomat, c1880. Between 1845 and 1851 Layard (1817-1894) excavated the remains of the ancient Assyrian capitals of Nimrud and Nineveh

Reconstruction of the north-eastern facade of Sennacheribs palace (Kouyunjik), Assyrian, 1853. Sennacherib, King of Assyria (701 BC-681 BC), built a magnificent palace at the kingdoms capital

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Sir Austen Henry Layard was a renowned British archaeologist, politician, and diplomat who made significant contributions to the field of Assyriology in the 19th century. His work shed light on ancient civilizations and their rich cultural heritage. One of his notable achievements was the discovery and excavation of several important archaeological sites in Mesopotamia, including Nineveh, Nimrud, and Kouyunjik. Layard's meticulous restoration efforts brought these ancient palaces back to life, allowing us to glimpse into the grandeur of Assyrian architecture. Layard's passion for history is evident in his artwork as well. In "Procession of the Bull, " we see an intriguing depiction from 1890 that captures a ceremonial event with unknown origins but showcases Layard's attention to detail. Another masterpiece attributed to him is "The Palace of Kouyunjik Restored. " This painting portrays Layard's vision for reconstructing Sennacherib's palace with precision and accuracy based on his extensive excavations. Layard also documented military conquests by depicting scenes such as "A city taken by assault by the Assyrians" and "Assault on the City of Lachish. " These artworks provide valuable insights into warfare strategies employed during ancient times. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Sir Austen Henry Layard served as a British Ambassador to Constantinople in 1877. A portrait titled "Right Hon Austen Henry Layard DCL" captures his dignified presence during this diplomatic role. Throughout his career, Sir Austen Henry Layard demonstrated a deep appreciation for ancient cultures like that of Nisroch - an Assyrian god depicted in one artwork - or through excavating carvings like that of Fish god Dagon at Nineveh. Today, we remember Sir Austen Henry Layard not only as an accomplished archaeologist but also as someone who dedicated himself to preserving our shared human history.