This bronze figurine from The Burrell Collection shows the three deities at the heart of ancient Egyptian belief about this life and the next. At the centre stands Osiris, who died but was reborn as king of the dead. He is wrapped in a mummy's shroud and carries the crook and flail of kingship. He is supported by his sister-wife Isis, and Horus, their son. Isis wears her crown of sun-disc between cow horns. Horus, as his father's heir, has his hair in a sidelock, and, wears the dual crown, as king of the living. The sun-god, Ra-Horakhty, protects their backs as a falcon with outstretched wings.
Provenance: Spink & Son, London; from where purchased by Sir William Burrell in 25 January 1954.
Credit: Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944