Byzantine - Saint Panteleimon - Walters 4820864
Panteleimon, a physician who became a saint through his great charity for the poor, miracles, and martyrdom, is shown here with a lancet in his right hand. This tile is one among three in the Walters Art Museum... More
Cambodian - Shiva and Uma on the Bull Nandi - Walters 542947
Here is the Hindu god Shiva with his spouse, as they appear in their mountain paradise.
Chelsea Porcelain Factory - Inkstand - Walters 48842
European inkstands were most often made of silver, though examples in pewter, lead, earthenware, and porcelain, like this one, are also known. They were used to hold pens, ink, and other writing implements. The... More
Chinese - Country-scenes in Mountain Landscape - Walters 354
Nanking School. 'Landscape,' 17th century. Ink and light colors on silk. Walters Art Museum (35.4): PAN. PAC. INTER EXPOS., SAN FRANCISCO.
Edwin Lord Weeks - Interior of a Mosque at Cordova - Walters 37169
This work, set in the 8th-century Great Mosque of Cordova in Spain may have been begun in 1880 while Weeks was staying in that city. In Weeks' estate sale catalogue, the scene was described as follows: Preachin... More
Egyptian - Cosmetic Container with Round Receptacles and Inscriptions ...
NaN Public domain photograph of archaeological object, ancient Egypt, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Egyptian - Kneeling Woman - Walters 541621
Likely part of a larger composition, this statuette may have held an offering tray or another figure. The face has elegant features, and the wig is meticulously worked. A mourning figure, it could have been pla... More
Egyptian - Scarab of Akhenaten - Walters 4271 - Impression Detail
This amulet should secure Akhenaten's epiphany, as well as his royal authority, and guarantee for a private owner his royal patronage.
Egyptian - Scarab of Hatshepsut - Walters 4260 - Left Side
The ancient Egyptians believed that the dung beetle, the Scarabaeus sacer, was one of the manifestations of the sun god. Representations of these beetles were used as amulets, and for ritual or administrative p... More
Egyptian - Scarab with the Cartouche of Sheshi - Walters 4226 - Impres...
The ancient Egyptians believed that the dung beetle, the Scarabaeus sacer, was one of the manifestations of the sun god. Representations of these beetles were used as amulets, and for ritual or administrative p... More
Egyptian - Statue of a Standing Khonsu - Walters 54395 - Three Quarter
Khonsu could be represented either as a youth or a falcon-headed male with a moon-disk and crescent on his head, as here. He is mentioned as a moon god in the pyramid texts as early as the 3rd millennium BC. As... More
European - Neolithic Axe Head - Walters 41254
The pointed end of this piece is broken off.
Hayim - Bracelet with Dangles - Walters 572317 - View B
The bracelet is made of two equal halves, each with seven riveted semiglobules in three rows. Each globule in the upper two rows has a ring with two ballshaped dangles. The background of the bracelet displays l... More
Indian - Box with Vegetal Forms - Walters 711211 - Top
This ivory box is a pastiche of several different carved panels. While one cannot be certain when it was put together, the panels probably date from the 17th century. Even though the side panels do not seem to ... More
Indian - Portrait Miniature of an Indian Courtesan - Walters 38518
English artists visited India to paint both large-scale and miniature portraits of those serving abroad as mementos for friends and families back in the Mother Country. They introduced the European technique of... More
Indian - Radha's Tryst with Krishna - Walters W879
The god Krishna and the milkmaid Radha meet on a stormy night. The poet Keshavdas (1561-1623) describes how Radha's feet "crush the serpents' heads as they coil round her legs; ghouls and goblins are everywhere... More
Indian - Ragini Chaiti - Walters W866
The musical "mode" ("raga, ragini") is a melody reduced to its basic elements. Modes were classified and given names, and sets of paintings with the same names were produced with the mode represented by a woman... More
Indian - Single Leaf of an Elephant in Must During a Hunt - Walters W8...
This single leaf, Walters W.873, depicts the Mughal emperor Akbar (reigned 963-1014 AH/AD 1556-1605), who continues to ride and control his elephant, which has gone into heat (must). The elephant is shown attac... More
Iranian - Illuminated Page with Verses from the End of Chapter 17 - Wa...
This illuminated page from Walters manuscript W.569 contains verses from the end of chapter 17 (Surat Bani Isra'il) inscribed in the center medallion in white Muhaqqaq script.
Italian - Madonna and Child - Walters 371021
Anonymous (Italian). 'Madonna and Child,' 17th century. oil on copper. Walters Art Museum (37.1021): Acquired by Henry Walters with the Massarenti Collection, 1902.
Italian - Sallet - Walters 51580
An open helmet, such as the sallet (from the Italian celata, "head covering"), which does not encase the head or fasten to the armor, is cooler and allows the wearer to turn his head easily. However, the weight... More
Jan van Bijlert - Girl Teasing a Cat - Walters 372659
A child teasing a cat is a frequent subject in Dutch art; it refers to the idea that (sexual) teasing can lead to a painful scratching. That this mischievous girl is partially disrobed makes the consequences mo... More
Japanese - Tsuka with Hawk and Chinese Lions - Walters 5112912b
The kashira shows a dramatic hawk in flight over pine trees. The menuki are in the shape of Chinese style lions ("shishi"). This is part of a mounted set.
Josefa de Ayala - The Sacrificial Lamb - Walters 371193
The inscription refers to Christ as the Lamb whose death was foretold. This symbolism of Christ as a sacrificial lamb who brings salvation derives from the feast of Passover, instituted after the Lord saved the... More
Kojima of Horiecho - Tokaido gojusan tsui - Walters 95585
日本語: 『東海道五十三對 桑名』 桑名屋徳蔵の話を桑名の地名にかけて描いたもの。海坊主に臆することのない船乗り徳蔵の錦絵。English: The Sea Monk (Umibozu) is a sea monster with a smooth round head, like the shaven head of a Buddhist monk. This woodblock print illustrates... More
Meves Berns - Light Sword for Civilian Use - Walters 511387
This hilt is remarkable for its figural motifs: the pommel is chiseled as a lion, the quillons as Africans' heads, and the finger guard with a mythical unicorn attacked by a hound. Combined, these symbolize the... More
Moche - Knife (tumi) with Removable Figural Handle - Walters 543078 - ...
Public domain photograph of 3d object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl Description.
Pierre Puvis de Chavannes - Hope - Walters 37156
In the wake of the catastrophic Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, the artist painted this picture of a young woman seated in a devastated landscape holding an oak twig as a symbol of hope for the nation's recover... More
Pietro Mera - The Fall of Man - Walters 37576 - A T Front
This depiction of the traditional subject of the "Fall of Man" in the Garden of Eden is extremely unusual because there is no serpent represented. Eve is represented as particularly sensuous and aggressive in o... More
Pope Gregory I - Moralia in Job - Walters W338 - Closed
Gregory the Great. 'Moralia in Job,' ca. 1480. parchment. Walters Art Museum (W.338): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Roman - Sucellus - Walters 54998 - Detail A
Sucellus was a major Gaulish deity associated with the underworld, whose attributes include his wolf-skin garment, a mallet or hammer (now missing from his upraised hand), and a small jar called an "olla." Thi... More
T'oros Roslin - T'oros Roslin Gospels - Walters W539 - Closed Front
Anonymous (Armenian). 'T'oros Roslin Gospels,' 1626 with 17th century additions. parchment. Walters Art Museum (W.539): Bequest of Mrs. Henry Walters, 1935.
Théophile-Emmanuel Duverger - Woman Kneeling in Prayer in a Cemetery -...
Th�ophile-Emmanuel Duverger (French, 1821-after 1882). 'Woman Kneeling in Prayer in a Cemetery,' 1821-1882. graphite on cream, moderately thick, moderately textured wove paper. Walters Art Museum (37.1329): Acq... More
Uesugi Kazutsura - Fuchi with Praying Mantis - Walters 51954 - Side A
A praying mantis is shown in various metal alloys. Part of the front claws and back legs extend above the top edge of the fuchi. This is part of a set with Walters 51.955.
Viking - Whale-Bone Plaque - Walters 711169
Similar plaques of whale bone carved with confronted monster heads are found frequently in the graves of wealthy Viking women in Norway. The monster heads, similar to the figureheads attached to Viking ship pr... More
Yoshizawa Setsuan - Leaf from Album Depicting Birds, Flowers, Landscap...
Setsuan (1809-1889). 'Leaf from Album Depicting Birds, Flowers, Landscapes, and Flower pots,' . Ink and colors on silk; ink and colors on paper. Walters Art Museum (35.174.2B): Found in rare book room.
Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur - Babur and His Warriors Visiting a Hindu ...
In this folio from Walters manuscript W.596, Babur and his warriors are depicted visiting the Hindu temple Gurh Kattri (Kur Katri) in Bigram. English: Illustrations from the Manuscript of Baburnama (Memoirs of ... More
Ahmad ibn Hajji Abi Bakr al-Katib - Incipit with Illuminated Titlepiec...
This illuminated titlepiece introduces the 3rd book (daftar) of the Collection of poems (Masnavi-i ma'navi).
Alfred Jacob Miller - Indians Threatening to Attack Fur Boats - Walter...
In 1837, Baltimore artist Alfred Jacob Miller journeyed to the frontier with the American Fur Company. Along the way, he made many sketches of Native Americans, concentrating particularly on their relationship ... More
Altamura Painter - Red-Figure Calyx Krater - Walters 48262 - Side B De...
The scene on this "krater" depicts another milestone in the life of a young man. At the culmination of years of training, a warrior stands beside the family altar preparing to leave for war. He wears a short tu... More
Andreas Johann Jacob Müller - The Christ Child - Walters 37178
The sleeping child lies on a sheet of white cloth partially covered by a pink cloth. He is identified by the aureole of light and three stylized rays forming a halo and by the ribbon he holds which is inscribed... More
Baldassare Manara - Dish with Lion Hunt - Walters 481499
The dramatic subject matter is based on an engraving by Giovanni Antonio da Brescia (1490-1525) reproducing a relief from an ancient Roman sarcophagus. Baldassare Manara, one of the most prominent maiolica pain... More
Byzantine - Marriage Ring with Scenes from the Life of Christ - Walter...
This rare, octagonal ring is decorated with eight scenes from the life of Christ, with the Ascension seen on the flat surface of the bezel (top). Protective powers were attributed to scenes of the life of Chris... More
Chevalier et Cachet - Watch - Walters 58288
Painted on the reverse is an image of a young boy and girl embracing. Their love is symbolized by a dove. The edge of the panel is bordered with a row of seed pearls graduated by size.
Qing Dynasty Chinese - Ceremonial Headdress - Walters 863
This headdress was likely once worn by the Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908), the effective ruler of China during the later years of the Qing Dynasty. It is an exquisite example of Chinese decoration and the sym... More
Egyptian - Model with the Head of a King and the Head of a Hawk - Walt...
This model is carved in low relief. The front has the head of a king facing right, and the back has the head of a hawk. The piece has traces of red, and the corners are broken.
Ethiopian - The Virgin and Child with Archangels, Scenes from the Life...
The central panel of this triptych features a version of Mary and the infant Christ based on a famous icon from the Roman basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore that was believed to have been painted by St. Luke the ... More
Etruscan - Head of a Woman - Walters 48310
Early Italian cultures decorated their buildings with sculpture made of terracotta. The head retains traces of its original colors: white for the skin and red for the hair, with gilding on the diadem (crown).
Eugène Delacroix - Christ on the Cross - Walters 3762 (2)
Sharply silhouetted against the darkened sky is the dying Christ. A couple of gesturing spectators appear at the left, and on the right are two mounted Roman soldiers with billowing banners. Other onlookers are... More
Florent Willems - The Important Response - Walters 37140
A lady in early 17th-century attire is seated at a table pondering a letter she is writing. In the background is a high Japanese screen. The artist has lavished great care in the rendering of the contrasting su... More
Frans Floris the elder - Portrait of a Gentleman - Walters 37563
The severe costume with its high, closed neck, starched ruff, and discretely ribbed sleeves, along with a pointed goatee in the Spanish fashion suggest that the sitter is a wealthy Spaniard or Fleming attached ... More
Franz Schmit - Mandolin-Shaped Watch - Walters 5834 - Front Open
This mandolin-shaped watchcase was probably produced in Switzerland, whereas the movement is Austrian. Swiss watches at this time were known for their novel shapes.
French - Saint Elzéar Curing the Lepers - Walters 2716
Franciscan mystic and miracle worker, Saint Elzear of Sabran (1285-1323) is shown curing three lepers, whose deformed features make his cure seem that much more miraculous. This group was carved to ornament th... More
Greek - Apollo and Artemis - Walters 237
The model for this relief was probably a dedicatory offering on the Athenian Acropolis. Copies intended for decorating the home were produced as late as the 2nd century. Several other almost identical examples... More
Hubert Gerhard - Tarquinius Attacking Lucretia - Walters 54662
The rape of Lucretia, a noble Roman matron known for her beauty and virtue, by the Etruscan prince Tarquinius (here, originally wielding a knife), was recounted by Roman authors as a pivotal event in their earl... More
Indian - Box with Vegetal Forms - Walters 711211 - Three Quarter
This ivory box is a pastiche of several different carved panels. While one cannot be certain when it was put together, the panels probably date from the 17th century. Even though the side panels do not seem to ... More
Indian - Embracing Lovers with Sparklers - Walters W870
Embracing lovers were a popular subject in 18th-century court circles, especially in the pleasure-loving atmosphere that prevailed among the rulers and nobles of Oudh state in Uttar Pradesh, just before its tak... More
Indian - Kali as the Supreme Deity - Walters W897
The terrifying goddess Kali, wearing a necklace of skulls and holding a severed head in one of her hands, is here worshiped by the great gods. From the left, we see Indra, Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the pre... More
Indian - Primer - Walters 71418 - Detail A
The powder flask (also known as a priming flask) was an essential firearm accessory and held the fine powder needed to make the gun fire. Gunmakers in India during the Mughal era (1526-1858) specialized in carv... More
Indian - Primer - Walters 71418 - Detail F
The powder flask (also known as a priming flask) was an essential firearm accessory and held the fine powder needed to make the gun fire. Gunmakers in India during the Mughal era (1526-1858) specialized in carv... More
Japanese - Kogai with Chrysanthemums - Walters 5111904
This split kogai ("warikogai") could be used as chopsticks. It is decorated with a chrysanthemum flower and leaves. This is part of a mounted set.
Ottoman or Persian - Turban Helmet with Eye Holes - Walters 5170
A warrior would have worn this helmet over a cloth turban. He would have been confident of being safeguarded in battle by the writing around the helmet's rim. The inscription from the Qur'an is garbled, however... More
Painter of London E 342 - Red-Figure Lekythos with Nike Holding a Band...
The wings of the goddess Nike, who personified military victory as well as triumph in athletic or musical competitions, probably indicate her ability to bring swift victory. Like Eros, Nike was a familiar figur... More
Piri Reis - Map of the Fortress of Trieste - Walters W658182B - Full P...
This folio from Walters manuscript W.658 contains a map of the fortress of Trieste (Rishti) (Italy).
Right art detail, from- Tibetan - Buddha Shakyamuni and Prajnaparamita...
This is a leaf from a "Prajnaparamita" (Perfection of Wisdom) manuscript. The text, written in Tibetan language and script, is a translation of a Sanskrit text that was produced in India as much as a thousand y... More
Roman - Jug with Birds - Walters 48104 - Back
The form and the single handle suggest that this jug was used for pouring wine. It is decorated in the "barbotine" technique, where a liquid clay or slip is applied in relief through a tube, much like icing is ... More
Roman - Sarcophagus Depicting the Birth of Dionysus - Walters 2333
This sarcophagus, also called the "Childhood Sarcophagus," depicts the birth of the god Dionysus (the Roman Bacchus) in exquisitely detailed high relief. At the left, the newborn god is nursed by a nymph and su... More
Takase Eiju - Fuchi with Yamabushi Monks in the Mountains - Walters 51...
Three yamabushi monks are depicted meeting on a mountain pass. They wear the distinctive yamabushi clothing, including a small hat and a sash with pom-poms around their necks. They carry wicker packs and walkin... More
Visigothic - Pair of Eagle Fibula - Walters 54421, 54422
Walters 54.421 and 54.422 are a pair of superb eagle-shaped fibula found at Tierra de Barros (Badajoz, southwest Spain) made of sheet gold over bronze inlaid with garnets, amythysts, and colored glass. Pendants... More
Zhou Xian - Three Autumn Plants - Osmanthus, Begonia, and Chrysanthemu...
Zhou Xian (1820-1875). 'Three autumn plants: osmanthus, begonia.,' 1900-1915. Ink and colors on paper mounted on silk. Walters Art Museum (35.101.A): Panama Pacific Intl.Exp.San Francisco 1915 N.285.
Adolphe Yvon - Portrait of Napoleon III - Walters 3795
Yvon served as the principal battle-painter of France's Second Empire (1852-70), executing a number of monumental canvases for the palace at Versailles. The French emperor is shown in his prime, two years befor... More
Apollonio di Giovanni di Tommaso - Episodes from the Story of Susannah...
Marco del Buono Giamberti (Italian, 1402-1489). 'Episodes from the Story of Susannah,' 15th century. tempera on panel. Walters Art Museum (37.2503): Gift of the Dr. Francis D. Murnaghan Fund, 1973.
Egyptian - Pectoral with Scarab - Walters 4291 - View A (2)
The ancient Egyptians believed that the dung beetle, the Scarabaeus sacer, was one of the manifestations of the sun god. Representations of these beetles were used as amulets, and for ritual or administrative p... More
Eugène Isabey - Fishing Boats - Walters 37888
Eugène Isabey began his career assisting his father, the miniaturist J. B. Isabey, with illustrations for a travel book on Italy. In 1825, Isabey made a trip to England, where he was profoundly influenced by th... More
German - Spherical Table Watch (Melanchthon's Watch) - Walters 5817 - ...
This is the earliest dated watch known. It is engraved on the bottom: "PHIL[IP]. MELA[NCHTHON]. GOTT. ALEIN. DIE. EHR[E]. 1530" (Philip Melanchthon, to God alone the glory, 1530). There are very few wa... More
German - Spherical Table Watch (Melanchthon's Watch) - Walters 5817 - ...
This is the earliest dated watch known. It is engraved on the bottom: "PHIL[IP]. MELA[NCHTHON]. GOTT. ALEIN. DIE. EHR[E]. 1530" (Philip Melanchthon, to God alone the glory, 1530). There are very few wa... More
Giacinto Melillo - Egyptian-Style Necklace with Scarabs - Walters 5715...
Archaeological jewelry decorated with ancient and modern scarabs was popular in Europe during the second half of the 19th century. The Castellani workshop was famous for its copies of ancient jewelry, and this ... More
Giambologna - Architecture - Walters 27458 - Three Quarter
This is an almost life-size marble version of Giovanni da Bologna's small bronze statuette, which may be viewed in the Collector's Study. The allegorical figure Architecture is recognizable by the tools she hol... More
Girolamo da Santacroce - The Adoration of the Three Kings - Walters 37...
Three wise men, or magi, from the East are described in the Gospels as having seen a new star and journeyed to pay tribute to the child marked as divine by the heavens. The wise men were often depicted as kings... More
Greek - Pair of Bracelets with Antelope-Heads - Walters 572021, 572022...
Penannular bracelets with animal-head terminals first developed in Achaemenid art and became popular in Greece during the 5th century. The hoops are more ovoid than circular, complementing the shape of the wris... More
Indian - Krishna Dancing with Gopi - Walters W858
Krishna dances at the center between two groups of admiring gopi. Those on his left form an orchestra, while those on his right serve as an appreciative audience.
Indian - Primer - Walters 71418 - Detail D
The powder flask (also known as a priming flask) was an essential firearm accessory and held the fine powder needed to make the gun fire. Gunmakers in India during the Mughal era (1526-1858) specialized in carv... More
Japanese - Dagger (Tanto) with Silver Saya with Lotus Pond Life, Flowe...
Picryl description: Public domain photo of Japanese painting, free to use art, no copyright restrictions image.
Jean-Marie Saint-Eve - Temptation on the Mount - Walters 37916
Jean-Marie Saint-Eve (French, 1810-1856). 'Temptation on the Mount,' 1854. watercolor, crayon and graphite on cream, moderately thick, moderately textured wove paper. Walters Art Museum (37.916): Acquired by Wi... More
Ludwig Knaus - Mud Pies - Walters 3721
This evening scene showing a girl seated on a log watching children making mudpies was painted while Knaus was living in Dusseldorf, Germany. In the background, a swineherd tends his pigs. A preparatory sketch ... More
Muhammad ibn Muhammad Shakir Ruzmah-'i Nathani - Four Plants - Walters...
These illustrations from Walters manuscript W.659 depict chamomile (aqhavan), a plant called ashkuth, another type of chamomile called babunaj, and a plant called badhavard.
Muhammad Musá al-Mudhahhib - Alexander the Great Admires His Portrait ...
On this folio from Walters manuscript W.606, Alexander the Great admires his portrait made by Nushabah.
Rosa Bonheur - Ploughing Scene - Walters 37836
Rosa Bonheur was among the most celebrated painters of animals in the 19th century. She frequently depicted plowing scenes that highlighted her command of anatomy, which she studied through dissection and at ho... More
Tibetan - Mahasiddha Ghantapa and the Great Flood - Walters 35303
The legendary Buddhist sage (mahasiddha) Ghantapa created a flood in order to teach a lesson to a king. But the flood threatened the lives of innocent bystanders, and so Ghantapa told them to pray to Avalokites... More
Tree detail, Firdawsi - Rustam Fights the Son of the White Div who Gua...
On this folio from Walters manuscript W.602, Rustam fights the son of the White Div who guarded Bizhan.
Viking - Arm Ring - Walters 57467
Together with its mate, Walters 57.466, this bracelet has stylized animal-head terminals, much like those found on jewelry made by Germanic peoples to the south. Arm rings or armlets made by twisting thick and ... More
Ahmed 'Ata Tayyarzade - Leading a Horse with Quick Steps, Then Slowing...
This folio from Walters manuscript W.661 contains an illustration that shows a man leading a horse with quick steps, then slowing down.
Andrea della Robbia - Virgin Adoring the Christ Child - Walters 27212
This altarpiece was probably commissioned for the marriage of Alessandra Pazzi and Bartolomeo di Rosso Buondelmonti in 1483. Their family heraldry is combined along the bottom edge of the piece. Its subject, fo... More
Antoine-Louis Barye - Rabbit, Ears Raised - Walters 2759 - Profile
Such rabbits, which were offered for sale for as little as six francs, were among Barye's most popular subjects.
Ary Scheffer - Christ Weeping Over Jerusalem - Walters 37111
Before enrolling in the École des Beaux-Arts, Scheffer studied with the neoclassically trained artist Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, whose mastery of the art of the past and high technical finish he emulated. He exhib... More
Bartolomeo di Giovanni - The Myth of Io - Walters 37421
The ancient Roman poet Ovid, in his "The Metamorphoses," told the story of the nymph Io who was seduced by Jupiter, the king of the gods. When his wife Juno became jealous, Jupiter transformed Io into a heifer ... More
Charles Béranger - Replica of The Hémicycle - Walters 3783 (3) Paul De...
This painting replicates Delaroche's most famous work, a mural in oils and wax (1836-41) in the auditorium of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France's most prestigious art school. Delaroche's pupil, Charles ... More
Charles Edouard Armand-Dumaresq - Zouave Kneeling on Battlefield - Wal...
Charles Edouard Armand-Dumaresq (French, 1826-1895). 'Zouave Kneeling on Battlefield,' 1826-1895. watercolor with graphite underdrawing and gum heightening on cream, moderately thick, slightly textured wove pap... More