The illustration on the article Leading the Persian Spears on page 24 depicts a standard with the Faravahar image on it while the shield depicts the Cyrus/royal falcon. The article cites no references for a standard with the Faravahar image, particularly in the Alexander mosaic which is said to have had "the golden head of a bird"- clearly not the Faravahar image which has the torso of a man on top. As such, the illustration seems to contradict the citations, or am I missing something?




Jon

Hi Jon,

I don't have my copy yet so I can't see how that illustration turned out

Duncan Head suggested that Xenophon's “golden eagle” was the winged Faravahar symbol from Achaemenid art. I think its more likely that the “golden eagle” looked something like that blue faience tile from Persepolis, or a gold plaque of a hawk from the Oxus Treasure. As you say, this is supported by the head of a bird on the Alexander Mosaic standard. But the other theory is possible, so when I saw Igor's sketch with the Faravahar symbol I didn't object.

For your interest, I've attached a scan of some of those early sketches of the Alexander Moasic showing the bird's head.

[img] Two 19th century sketches of the Alexander Mosaic[/img]

Sean

Thanks Sean,

How do I link to those sketches? I don't seem to be able to open the attachment.