Scarab with the Representation of a Horse

Third Intermediate Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 130

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 or as the animal of the goddess Astarte. On seal-amulets of the Third Intermediate Period (ca. 1070-664 B.C.) the horse is often present as the main subject, accompanied by good-luck signs, such as the sign of life (ankh) or the hieroglyph for good and beautiful (nefer), or by royal titles. The latter association suggests that the horse 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, Faience

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Scarab with the Representation of a Horse, Faience
Scarab with the Representation of a Horse, Faience
Scarab with the Representation of a Horse, Faience
Scarab with the Representation of a Horse, Faience

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