About this sheet
Set of 3 Antique Assyrian Costume and Culture Plates by Max Tilke, c.1900
This striking set of three antique plates illustrates the costumes, military attire, and ceremonial life of ancient Assyria. Designed by the renowned ethnographic and costume artist Max Tilke and published by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G. in Berlin around 1900, these plates form a visually rich and historically accurate representation of Mesopotamian culture.
Max Tilke (1869–1942) is celebrated for his meticulous documentation of historical dress, and these Assyrian plates are among his most detailed works. Plate 12 offers a vibrant chromolithographic depiction of Assyrian nobility, warriors, and attendants dressed in elaborately patterned garments. The distinctive textiles, fringed robes, jewelry, bows, arrows, and weapons are drawn directly from archaeological reliefs found in the palaces of Nineveh and Nimrud.
Plate 13 presents Assyrian court life in elegant line drawings, including a banquet scene with musicians and attendants, followed by a fully equipped military group with archers, shields, and chariots. The style evokes the monumental stone reliefs of the Neo-Assyrian period while maintaining Tilke’s signature clarity.
Plate 14 shows an array of Assyrian artistic motifs, from chariot warfare to ceremonial standards, bearded royal profiles, helmets, and decorative ornaments. This plate is particularly valuable as it brings together many identifying symbols of the Assyrian empire, including details of royal headgear, divine emblems, and figural carvings.
Together, these three plates provide a cohesive and beautifully balanced overview of ancient Assyria’s material culture. Their mix of color and monochrome makes them ideal for framing as a set, whether aligned horizontally or as a vertical triptych. They appeal both to collectors of ancient history and to interior designers seeking strong, decorative imagery with archaeological character.
Condition report:
Very good overall condition. Light age toning, subtle foxing in margins. Image areas clean. No tears affecting the artwork. Suitable for immediate framing.
Framing tips:
These three prints frame beautifully as a horizontal trio or vertical set. For a modern interior, use black or dark walnut frames with a warm off-white mat. For a more classical display, slim gilt frames work well and enhance the Assyrian color palette. Keeping the three plates in identical frames creates a strong, museum-quality presentation.
