Part of an Arch with the Nile God and Earth Goddess
Coptic
1 of 10
Object Label
In pagan Egyptian tombs, the deceased was often identified with suitable figures in Greco-Roman mythology. This was particularly apparent in the relief decoration of arches designed to curve out and over the heads of visitors to the public part of the tomb. Like the fragmentary examples here, they might show the god of the Nile to recall an authoritative family man, or a nymph to symbolize a young woman. Some wall reliefs, such as the example here showing Hercules as a mature hero, probably served the same commemorative purpose.
Caption
Coptic. Part of an Arch with the Nile God and Earth Goddess, 5th–6th century C.E.. Limestone, pigment, 18 1/8 x 26 3/16 x 9 5/8 in. (46 x 66.5 x 24.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 41.891. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Culture
Title
Part of an Arch with the Nile God and Earth Goddess
Date
5th–6th century C.E.
Period
Late Antique Period
Geography
Reportedly from: Herakleopolis Magna, Egypt
Medium
Limestone, pigment
Classification
Dimensions
18 1/8 x 26 3/16 x 9 5/8 in. (46 x 66.5 x 24.5 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
41.891
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