<em>Relief of the God Ptah</em>, 4th–3rd century B.C.E. Stucco, 5 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 7/8 in. (13.4 x 9.2 x 2.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc., 86.226.17. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 86.226.17_PS1.jpg)

Relief of the God Ptah, 4th–3rd century B.C.E. Stucco, 5 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 7/8 in. (13.4 x 9.2 x 2.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc., 86.226.17. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 86.226.17_PS1.jpg)

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Relief of the God Ptah

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor

The complex nature of Egyptian deities is often indicated by their attributes. Osiris’s tightly wrapped mummy shroud and his crook and flail (symbolizing kingship) point to the legend of Osiris’s murder, mummification, and subsequent resurrection as the ruler of the underworld. The cobra held by his wife, Isis, represents the magic that revived her husband and guarded their son, Horus. As the rightful heir to Osiris’s throne and the embodiment of kingship, the falcon-god Horus wears the Double Crown.

Animals can also reveal divine qualities. The cow or cow-human forms of Hathor refer to her role as provider of milk to Horus and to young kings of Egypt. Bastet, another benevolent female deity, appears as a cat or cat-headed woman, carrying a basket and sistrum.

Certain deities, including Neith, Ptah, Nefertem, and Imhotep, were portrayed in human form. The ancient protectress Neith, associated with war and hunting, wears the flat-topped Red Crown of Lower Egypt. The Memphite creator-god Ptah holds a staff with hieroglyphs for life and permanence. Ptah’s son, Nefertem, a lotus on his head (symbolizing rebirth), defends Maat with his scimitar. Imhotep, the deified architect of Djoser’s pyramid, shares Ptah’s close-fitting cap, and the papyrus on his lap emphasizes wisdom and creativity.

MEDIUM Stucco

Place Made: Egypt

DATES 4th–3rd century B.C.E.

PERIOD Late Period to Ptolemaic Period

DIMENSIONS 5 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 7/8 in. (13.4 x 9.2 x 2.3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 86.226.17

CREDIT LINE Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor

CAPTION Relief of the God Ptah, 4th–3rd century B.C.E. Stucco, 5 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 7/8 in. (13.4 x 9.2 x 2.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Ernest Erickson Foundation, Inc., 86.226.17. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 86.226.17_PS1.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 86.226.17_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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