Neo-Assyrian relief sculpture is characterized by a distinctive network of visual formulas that functions almost like script, analogous to the hieroglyphic nature of Egyptian art. This quality of Assyrian art has not been studied thoroughly by scholars, who have mostly concentrated on visual narrative. On examination, it appears that the formulaic communication system of Assyrian art constitutes a highly sophisticated semiotic program that references important philosophical and religious concepts pertaining to Assyrian kingship. The art of Ashurnasirpal II can be seen as the apogee of the use of this semiotic, which takes different forms in the arts of later Assyrian kings.
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