On view
Ancient Mediterranean Art
Face of Harpocrates,
ca. 3rd century BCE
Greek
Hellenistic Period, ca. 323–30 BCE
y1964-119
In ancient Egypt, the gods could be represented in a number of forms, with a variety of materials, at dramatically different sizes, and for a range of purposes. They might be shown completely in the form of an animal, as Bastet is here in her manifestation as a cat. Alternatively, they might be fully anthropomorphic, as with Osiris. Or they might be a hybrid combination of the two, such as the figure of Thoth, who is represented in the relief in his form as a man with the head of an ibis.
Information
Title
Face of Harpocrates
Dates
ca. 3rd century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
7.5 x 3.5 x 4.5 cm (2 15/16 x 1 3/8 x 1 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Edward Sampson, Class of 1914, for the Alden Sampson Collection
Object Number
y1964-119
Place Made
Europe, Greece
Culture
Period
Type
Materials
Subject
Given to the Museum by Edward Sampson
