The artist who carved this stag—its antlered head proudly held high, its forelegs poised to land—must have been familiar with the extraordinary grace and dignity of the animal, whose name, lulimu, could also mean “ruler” or “prince.” The significance of the scene in the context of this seal is unknown. However, a suggestive passage is found in a biblical text from the Song of Solomon (2:8–9), in which the bride speaks of her bridegroom: “The voice of my beloved! Behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills. My beloved is like a roe or a young hart.”
Ancient cylinder seal with modern impression: Leaping Stag with Tree on Mountain. Mesopotamia, Middle Assyrian period (ca. thirteenth century B.C.). Chalcedony; 1 3/16 x 3/8 inches (3 x 1 cm). Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908; Morgan Seal 601.