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Statuette of Isis suckling Harpocrates

Seated figure of Isis suckling Harpocrates (identifiable with the so-called ‘Isis lactans’ motif). The goddess is wearing a hathoric crown, consisting of a solar disc with cow horns resting on a stylised uraeiform modius. She is wearing a tripartite wig decorated with the uraeus and an ankle-length, tight-fitting dress. Isis brings her right hand to her left breast, while her left hand holds Harpocrates’ head. A broken circular tenon is present under the buttocks. The goddess’ knees and muscles of the calves are slightly indicated. The feet rest on a trapezoidal base from which a circular tenon projects down. The god Harpocrates is sitting on Isis’ lap. The god is depicted naked, wearing the double crown and side-lock on the right side of the head, which ends with a curl on the right shoulder. Harpocrates has his arms at sides with hands open, the palms facing down. The legs are together, and the lower part is broken. The object is made in the lost-wax technique for solid casts.

Cat. 153
Metal / Bronze
712–332 BCE
Late Period
Unknown
Old Fund, 1824–1888
Not on display
Museo Egizio