Isis nursing Horus
Isis nursing her son Horus is one of the most popular images of this protective goddess. This beautiful small figurine depicts her seated on a throne. She wears a long, tight-fitting dress under which her long and slim legs and full breasts are clearly modelled. On her chest is a broad collar with several rows of beads. Her long tripartite wig is partially covered by a vulture headdress that includes either a vulture head or a uraeus at the brow of the goddess. The additional tall headdress on top of Isis’ head depicts a stylized throne that is also used as a hieroglyph and signifies her name. With her right hand Isis grasps the front of her left breast and offers it to her child. Only a small section of her upper left arm is preserved, but from similar pieces we know that it would have supported her son. The top half of the naked boy is missing. He sits side-ways on the lap of his mother with his legs side by side and his hands resting next to his knees.
On the back is a loop for suspension. This piece is relatively large, so the pendant might not have functioned as an amulet that was worn by a person, but might have been a donation to the goddess.
On the back is a loop for suspension. This piece is relatively large, so the pendant might not have functioned as an amulet that was worn by a person, but might have been a donation to the goddess.
Artwork Details
- Title: Isis nursing Horus
- Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
- Date: ca. 664–30 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Faience
- Dimensions: H. 10 × W. 2.4 × D. 5.5 cm (3 15/16 × 15/16 × 2 3/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
- Object Number: 2021.41.133
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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360–343 BCE
4th century B.C.
ca. 872–664 BCE
664–525 BCE
332–30 BCE
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