Reliefs & Wall Hangings
Egyptian Princess Relief : Temple of Abydos, Egypt. Dynasty XIX 1270 B.C.
Her name was Nes-Amun. She was one of the more than fifty daughters of Ramses II. Princesses were called Royal Daughters. They often had their own palaces or at least their own compound within the palace with an extensive staff of attendants.
Ashurbanipal Hunting : Ashurbanipal Palace, Nineveh, 645 B.C.
This fragment from a wall originally found in the Assyrian palace of Nineveh depicts King Ashurbanipal as part of a larger scene hunting wild asses with the help of hounds. These animals were considered a nuisance and their killing was a meritorious activity suitable for the king.
An offering to Isis and Osiris - Temple of Isis, Philae, Egypt. Dynasty XXVI, 530 B.C.
This relief shows Isis protecting her husband Osiris with her wings. A pharaoh is also shown offering a libation to them. Isis together with her husband Osiris and their son Horus formed the main triad of the Egyptian religion. The name Isis means "Seat" or "Throne".
Funerary Mask of King Tutankhamun (Wall plaque) : Egyptian Museum, Cairo, 1347-1237 B.C.
This marvelous mask of excellent workmanship protected the head of the mummy of Tutankhamun. Further protection was assured by a magic formula engraved on the shoulders and the back of the mask.
Tibet Buddha Plaque Tibet. 7th Century AD- present day.
The buddha is in the appropriate earth-touching gesture. It represents the Eastern Indian tradition, which goes far back to the 7th Century A D when Buddhism was introduced into Tibet.
Assyrian Protective Spirit - Palace of Assurnasirpal II Nimrud, Assyria ca 875-860 B.C.
A protective spirit guarded one entrance of the King's quarters. This spirit is depicted as man with wings like an angel carrying a goat and an ear of corn believed to symbolize fertility. The so-called Standard Inscription is carved across the surface of the relief.
The Breath of Life - Valley of the Queens, Luxor, Egypt. Dynasty XIX 1270 B.C.
The tomb of Nefertari, from which this wall fragment comes, is the largest architectural and decorative enterprise ever dedicated to a Pharaoh"s wife. Nefertari was the chief Queen and favorite wife of Ramses II. The name Nefertari means "the most beautiful of them".
Ptolemaic Relief - Ptolemy V, Ptolemaic Period. 200B.C.
This relief shows a scene of an offering where the Pharaoh Ptolemy V offers the spiritual inner eyes of Horus, to Horus, seated on the throne. Horus was the son of Isis and Osiris. They formed the fundamental triad of the Egyptian religion.
Horus Falcon Relief
In Egyptian mythology, Horus was the Divine Child of Osiris and Isis. As the Incarnate God, his roles were numerous. He united the cosmic principles of male and female. He acted as the uniting force between Upper and Lower Egypt.
Demeter Relief - Versailles Municipal Library, France. 18th century
This medallion represents Demeter, maternal Goddess of the Earth, and especially of cultivated land. One of her attributes is wheat, shown here on her head.