Large Sumerian Cylinder Seal with Bullmen

Early Dynastic III, 2600-2400 BC. A large white marble cylinder seal with contest scene depicting two lions mauling two rearing horned animals, and a naked warrior attacking two bulls with human faces; flanked by a lizard and rosette; accompanied by a museum-quality impression, and a handwritten and signed scholarly note issued by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of White Marble 47 x 30 mm. A contest scene is shown with two crossed lions mauling two rearing horned animals, and a nude hero is dealing with two crossed bulls with bearded human faces. Two small fillers (a lizard(?) and a rosette(?)) fill vacant spaces. This is a Sumerian seal of the Early Dynastic III Period, c. 2600-2400 B.C. It is exceptionally large and well cut in the best style, but it is worn and a little damaged.'; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. Cf. Ada Small Moore Collection, Sotheby's New York, December 12, 1991, no.17; Stanfeld Collection, no.19, for seals related in size and style, both among the largest known from the period of the Royal Tombs at Ur.83.1 grams, 47mm (1 3/4"). Property of a Scandinavian private collector since 2012; previously in the Cambell collection, formed in the 1970s; accompanied by a scholarly report by Professor W.G. Lambert.
Condition Report: Fine condition. Rare and important.