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Fragment with Personifications of Victory and the Nile

6th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 302
This is one of two fragments (see 1971.49.2) that may once have formed a single object celebrating the annual flooding of the Nile River. Holding a wreath, Nike (personification of victory) and the long-haired man Nilos (personification of the river) are surrounded by putti—small childlike figures that, in Egypt, symbolized the number of feet that the river rose each year, ushering in the season of growth and abundance.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fragment with Personifications of Victory and the Nile
  • Date: 6th century
  • Geography: Made in probably Egypt
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Elephant ivory
  • Dimensions: Overall: 1 7/8 x 4 9/16 x 9/16 in. (4.7 x 11.6 x 1.4 cm)
  • Classification: Ivories-Elephant
  • Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1971
  • Object Number: 1971.49.1
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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