Upper part of Isis, from a figure of the goddess nursing Horus

Third Intermediate Period
ca. 945–700 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130
Egyptian blue was a synthetic pigment used most frequently to add color to objects composed of other materials or for small objects such as scarabs. It was occasionally also used for larger objects, such as this small sculpture representing Isis. Only the upper part of the sculpture is preserved, but in the complete piece, the goddess likely would have been shown seated, with Horus, her son with the god Osiris, on her lap (see 55.121.5). Traces on the left breast were most likely left by her missing right hand, with which she would have offered milk to her baby.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Upper part of Isis, from a figure of the goddess nursing Horus
  • Period: Third Intermediate Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 22–23
  • Date: ca. 945–700 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Egyptian blue
  • Dimensions: H. 6.1 × W. 4.2 × D. 3.4 cm (2 3/8 × 1 5/8 × 1 5/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
  • Object Number: 2021.41.91
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.