Scarab with the Representation of a Horse

New Kingdom

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

A falcon spreads its wings in a protective gesture above the back of a striding horse. A large feather is placed on the horse’s head, as is often seen on representations of horses during the Ramesside Period (Dynasty 19-20, ca. 1295-1070 B.C.). The horse was introduced in Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1640-1550 B.C.) and is frequently depicted in Egyptian art of the New Kingdom in scenes with chariots and horsemen. It is also one of the animals that symbolizes the (strength of the) pharaoh and, in extension, the sun god.

Scarab with the Representation of a Horse, Glazed steatite

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