Around 2250 B.C and traditionally identified as Sargon of Akkad. Bronze, h. 36,6 cm. The eyes were probably made of precious stones and have been removed in antiquity. Indeed, the head possessed a secular grandeur without precedent in Mesopotamia. I made this portrait photo many years ago. The original sculpture embellished the art collections of Baghdad's Iraq Museum (inv.nr. IM 11331), but unfortunately it is not exhibited in Baghdad anymore... A serious question arises: Was this ancient treasure looted or damaged during the chaos which followed the 2003 US-led invasion of the country? Or was the head undamaged put in safety in the vaults of the Central Bank of Iraq, were some of the most valuable artefacts of the museum are safeguarded nowadays? There are disturbing indications that this marvellous sculpture was destroyed or at least seriously damaged.... And for an overview: