DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.15100#0192
128
PLATE LI.
ALTAR.
A square altar of Roman workmanship, ornamented with figures
imitative of Egyptian subjects, and having probably some reference
to the worship of Isis. In front is a figure kneeling on both knees
having the claft upon the head, and the shenti round the loins, a
collar round the neck, and bracelet upon the upper part of the right
arm. With both hands is held a small rectangular naos or sacred
cista, in which are two birds, probably intended for the Koucoupha
or Hoopoe. At the other side of this figure is an Ibis standing
upon a pedestal, holding in its beak a branch. Over the heads
are two objects, certainly intended for Egyptian symbols, but not
defined with sufficient accuracy to be ascertained. The pedestals
are variously ornamented, but the objects appear to have been so
ill understood by the sculptor, that it would be useless to attempt
a description. In some parts of this composition an attempt is
made to imitate the sunk relief of Egyptian art.
On the left side of the altar is the bull Apis, walking, having his
side marked with a crescent, and his forehead with a triangle. On
the right side of the altar are two men probably of the sacerdotal
order, one is reading from a roll of papyrus, the other, bearing a
torch, is the torch bearer frequently attendant upon the priest.
On the back of the altar is a representation of Spring under the
form of a youth, crowning himself with a wreath of roses, of which
flowers a large basket stands at his left side, while at his right is a
large rose tree. A short cloak, fastened upon his breast by a
PLATE LI.
ALTAR.
A square altar of Roman workmanship, ornamented with figures
imitative of Egyptian subjects, and having probably some reference
to the worship of Isis. In front is a figure kneeling on both knees
having the claft upon the head, and the shenti round the loins, a
collar round the neck, and bracelet upon the upper part of the right
arm. With both hands is held a small rectangular naos or sacred
cista, in which are two birds, probably intended for the Koucoupha
or Hoopoe. At the other side of this figure is an Ibis standing
upon a pedestal, holding in its beak a branch. Over the heads
are two objects, certainly intended for Egyptian symbols, but not
defined with sufficient accuracy to be ascertained. The pedestals
are variously ornamented, but the objects appear to have been so
ill understood by the sculptor, that it would be useless to attempt
a description. In some parts of this composition an attempt is
made to imitate the sunk relief of Egyptian art.
On the left side of the altar is the bull Apis, walking, having his
side marked with a crescent, and his forehead with a triangle. On
the right side of the altar are two men probably of the sacerdotal
order, one is reading from a roll of papyrus, the other, bearing a
torch, is the torch bearer frequently attendant upon the priest.
On the back of the altar is a representation of Spring under the
form of a youth, crowning himself with a wreath of roses, of which
flowers a large basket stands at his left side, while at his right is a
large rose tree. A short cloak, fastened upon his breast by a