Mona Lisa of Nimrud refers to a carved ivory piece of art discovered in the city of Nimrud in a campaign of excavation from 1949 to 1963, led by Sir Max Mallowan.[1] It is one of the most well known of the Nimrud ivories. It has also been known as the “Lady of the Well.”.[2] In contrast, another sculpture found with it was named "Ugly Sister."
When excavated, it was cleaned by Mallowan's wife Agatha Christie.[3] It was housed at the Iraq Museum.
Description
editThe Mona Lisa of Nimrud depicts a woman's head and the sculpture does not extend much below the chin. It has a band around the top and bottom with peg holes. She is wearing a headdress and her hair is arranged ornately.