Terracotta statuette of Isis or a follower of her cult

Unknown

ca. 2nd century CE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

The cult of of the Egyptian goddess Isis spread across the eastern Mediterranean under the influence of the Ptolemies and was introduced into Rome during the Late Republic. It flourished under the Roman Empire, and traces of the cult can be found in almost every province. This figure may represent a priestess rather than Isis herself. She wears an elaborate Egyptian crown and floral garlands over her left shoulder and carries a situla (ritual bucket) in her left hand.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 2nd century CE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889