This lithograph documents an Assyrian stone relief from the palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad, depicting a royal hunting scene with hunters pursuing gazelles, hares, and birds. Created by archaeologist Austen Henry Layard in the mid 19th century, the work captures the intricate details of ancient Mesopotamian carved reliefs through the medium of lithography, which allowed for wide dissemination of archaeological findings. The use of black and beige tones emphasizes the linear patterns and hierarchical composition characteristic of Neo Assyrian palace decoration, where hunting scenes served to demonstrate royal power and dominion over nature.