The Archers of Darius
Susa
Around 500 BC
Bas-relief. Glazed bricks
H 4.75 m
AO 488
Description
"Darius I (522-486 BC) made Susa his administrative capital,
building his palace in the Babylonian tradition, to which was added
a throne room with columns in the Iranian tradition. The glazed
brick decor of this palace centres on images of the Persian army.
The archers are shown in ceremonial dress, rather than in fighting
gear. Anxious to depict this pleated dress, in keeping with the
tradition of Luristan, the Susian enamelers borrowed from the Greek
model, but stylized it in their own inimitable way."
- Louvre