Nude winged heros, bull, and sphinx

between 701 B.C. and 601 B.C.
white chalcedony
27 x 12 mm
Morgan Seal 748
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"The earlier group (747-752), comprising cylinders for which a Neo-Babylonian classification is suggested, seems to reflect influence of the Middle Assyrian modeled style, while the later group (753-769) illustrates the specific character of the Neo-Assyrian modeled style of the late eighth and of the seventh century B.C., though in some cases a seal included in this grouping may have been made in Babylonia."--Porada, CANES, p. 90

Summary: 

Two nude winged heros, each with foot on collapsing bull, sphinx above latter -- At right (beside arm of hero), star over which coarse line has been added by later engraving -- Other later additions: crescent, second star, plant.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Classification: 
Department: