Review and comparison of the Visual Characteristics of Anubanini and Bistoon rock Reliefs

Among the remains of ancient Iranian art, rock reliefs are of particular importance. Anubanini reliefs as the oldest and Bistoon’s as one of the most important examples of these works, besides having a similar subject, which have other symbolic and visual similarities has led many scholars to regard Bistoon reliefs as an imitation of Anubanini reliefs. Despite the importance and similarities of these works, until now, no specific comparative study has been performed on the visual characteristics of these works. The present study is a comparative descriptive analytical one and with utilization of library resources it tries to answer that what the most important similarity and visual difference of Anubanini and to what extent has the Biston relief been influenced by the Anubanini relief?  This research investigates the artistic characteristics and backgrounds of images and symbols used in these motifs and also compares the similarities and differences between them.  The visual and symbolic features of the Anubanini memorial is derived from ancient Mesopotamian art (especially Akkadian art) which are put together in a new design. The visual and symbolic features of the Bistoon memorial was influenced by the art of the earlier tribes (especially Assyrian art) which presented in the form of Achaemenid art. The results show that Bistoon relief is not a mere imitation of anubanini relief and this representation accompanied by changes in line with Achaemenid art.  The most important similarity of these works is in their outline (narrated story) and the most important difference in the prevailing visual spirit is in the Biston relief plan, which has led to not humiliating the enemies and using violence against them.