Persian Spearman

5th century B.C.; Iranian, Achaemenid Dynasty; Limestone. This fragment from a stair balustrade depicts a file of Persian spearmen wearing the characteristic fluted felt or feathered headdress. Only the head of one warrior survives with a portion of his spear and that of the soldier behind him. Although unfinished (the beard`s curls are not defined), the smooth contours of the suave profile and the richly curled hair demonstrate the elegance of Achaemenid court art. Text and images courtesy The Detroit Institute of Arts.

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