This wooden votive sculpture represents
Isis, the bride of Osiris, the mother of
Horus, the healer, the protector of
women, the winged goddess able to grant
immortality. The word, “Isis,” is
actually the Greek version of her older
Egyptian name, Aset or Eset, revealing
that she remained a popular deity during
the Ptolemaic period, associated with
Demeter. Many centuries ago, this
sculpture might have been found inside a
temple, placed as an offering to the
beloved goddess. She is depicted seated
upon a throne, holding her right hand
against her left breast in what might be
interpreted as a gesture of fertility.
Her eyes have been inlaid, enhancing the
sense of realism. The legend of Osiris
states that his brother Seth, overcome
by jealousy, murdered him and tore his
body into fourteen parts, scattering
them across Egypt. Isis traversed the
land and gathered all the parts of his
body. She then cast a spell that
resurrected her deceased husband for one
night, during which their child, Horus,
was conceived. Thus, Isis was one of
the central figures of Egyptian
religion, the healer, the giver of life.
This gorgeous sculpture features traces
of polychrome paint and gold leaf,
suggesting that the work was once
painted and gilt, revealing that is was
a treasure even in its own day.
- (X.0175)
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