Juvenile God on Lotus

Description The lock of hair that this god wears on one side of his head, the placement of his raised finger to his mouth, and his nudity were recognized symbols of childhood in ancient Egyptian iconography. His crown and the lotus blossom beneath him identify him as a solar deity and god of renewal. This powerful symbol of a sun god rising from the lotus recalls one version of the Egyptian creation myth, wherein the "first god" rises from a lotus in primeval waters, setting in motion the whole of creation. This figure likely once adorned the top of a wooden staff used by a priest in processions.

Conservation

Examined and cleaned in preparation for exhibition.

Examined and cleaned in preparation for exhibition.

Date	Description	Narrative
12/31/1969	Examination	Examined, cleaned
12/31/1969	Treatment	Examined, cleaned

Exhibitions

• Egypt’s Mysterious Book of the Faiyum. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 2013-2014.

Provenance Dikran Kelekian, New York and Paris [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1911, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1911