Object Image

Statuette of Isis nursing Horus, dedicated by Ankhhor, son of Perechbanebdjedet and Heretib

Isis nursing her son Horus is one of the most popular images of this protective goddess. With one hand she is supporting her child while offering her breast to him to suckle with the other.

Isis was the sister-wife of the god Osiris. She is one of the main protagonists in the Osiride myth that tells the murder of Osiris and the birth and of their son Horus, with Horus' triumphal avenging of his father. According to this myth Isis was able to revive Osiris after he had been killed by his brother Seth and she became pregnant with their son Horus. After Horus’ birth, Isis nurtured her child and protected him from Seth and other dangers. Due to his mother’s care and great magical power Horus overc...

664-332 BC
Anhydrite
5.9in
45.2.10
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2020

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection