Mitchell, Lucy M.: A history of ancient sculpture (New York, 1883)

EGYPTIAN AND ASSYRIAN ART CONTRASTED. 103

far more than the fierce rage of the Nimroud lions, as seen in their gaping
jaws, threatening teeth, and excited pose (Fig. 43).

The incredible duration of Egyptian civilization enables us to watch the
course of its art through numerous stages of rise, progress, decline, and re-
vival, until its final decay. The sculptures of Assyria are, on the other hand,
of comparatively short duration ; and their great interest for us lies in the fact,
that these elaborate stone embroideries, these graceful ornaments on weapon
and utensil, and these gross but luxurious forms, should communicate their in-
fluence by the channels of trade and conquest to Persia and the distant shores
of the Mediterranean, influencing the art-forms of coming and more gifted
nations.