Egyptian - Horus the Child-Harpocrates - Walters 481597 - Back
The god of kingship is depicted as a child. He received his magical power from his mother, Isis.
Egyptian - Isis Nursing Horus - Walters 481529 - Top
Anonymous (Egyptian). 'Isis nursing horus,' 663-332 BC. faience. Walters Art Museum (48.1529): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1930.
Egyptian - Kohl Vase in the Shape of a Palm Column - Walters 4745 - Pr...
In ancient Egypt, vessels were formed by heating powdered glass in a furnace around a clay core. Once the glass had melted around the core, glassmakers trailed threads of molten glass around the vessel and comb... More
Egyptian - Lion - Walters 481538
Representation of male lions were common in Ancient Egypt from the Predynastic to the Roman Period. They were related to Kingship as well as to the sky. This figurine was either used as an amulet or by a priest... More
Egyptian - Lion Headed Nefertem - Walters 482314 - Left
The seated figure represents a nude child god. The crown on his head depicts a lotus bud. The opened lotus flower is an attribute of the god Nefertem, the son of the creator god Ptah and the lioness goddess Sak... 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.
Egyptian - Mummy Mask of a High Official - Walters 784 - Back
The use of a mummy mask is one of the most characteristic features of ancient Egyptian burial customs. Such cartonnage masks covered the head and the upper part of the chest of a mummy. Generally, they consist ... More
Egyptian - Ostrakon with Sketches - Walters 41320
The front of this ostracon shows a preparatory drawing for a funerary ritual scene, while the back has sketches of vessels and cult objects.
Egyptian - Pendant, Squatting by Horus the Child - Walters 42198 - Rig...
This mold-made pendant of royal blue, glass-like faience (?) with some carved detail represents Horus-the-Child seated, knees drawn up, holding a broken flail over his left shoulder. Behind the neck is a loop f... More
Egyptian - Plaque with the Throne Name of Thutmosis IV - Walters 4228 ...
This symmetrical oval plaque has icons and inscriptions on both sides. The front depicts an icon and image of King Thutmosis IV (1397-1388 BC); on the back is a representation of a vulture combined with the roy... More
Egyptian - Priest Pen-maat Holding a Shrine - Walters 2281
This kneeling male figure is holding a shrine. There is an inscription on a stele and on the front of the base.
Egyptian - Reclining Lion - Walters 571560
This reclining lion with a raised head shows the compact body shape and other stylistic features typical of Meroitic art.
Egyptian - Scarab - Walters 42395 - Back
This serpentine scarab has a flat underside without any bottom design. The top has a design that is very detailed, with deeply incised hatch lines on the wing cases and slightly irregular line flow. The pattern... More
Egyptian - Seated Cat - Walters 481564
This small seated cat may have been used as an amulet; however the small hole on the bottom indicates that it was implemented into another base or on top of a staff.
Egyptian - Statuette of a Ram-Headed Deity - Walters 54555
The figure represents a male god with a human-shaped body, ram-shaped head, and wearing the atef crown (a combination of ram-horns, plumes, the upper Egyptian crown, cobra serpents, and sun-disk). The figure li... More
Egyptian - Taweret - Walters 42217
Anonymous (Egyptian). 'Toeris w/knot in front of body,' . Red jasper. Walters Art Museum (42.217): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Egyptian - Taweret - Walters 42218
This Taweret (Toeris) statuette is holding a knot in front of her body, and the lower portion of her body has broken off.
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
Eugène Delacroix - Sketch for the Battle of Poitiers - Walters 37110
Study for Le Roi Jean à la Batailles de Poitiers, Louvre Museum English: Delacroix often preferred to depict subjects from France's medieval past rather than from Greek or Roman antiquity. At the Battle of Poi... More
Firdawsi - Kay Khusraw, Having Conquered Afrasiyab?s Fortress, Sits on...
On this folio from Walters manuscript W.602, Kay Khusraw, having conquered Afrasiyab's fortress, sits on his throne.
Flemish - Leaf from Book of Hours - Walters W3720V - Detail A
Music and dancing were important social rituals during the medieval era and provided opportunities for men and women to mingle. On the opposite page (folio 21r) a man plays a stringed instrument, probably a vie... 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 - Leaf from Alphabet Book - Walters W20023V - Open Reverse
NaN Public domain scan of 16th-century book, manuscript, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
French - Saint Damian - Walters 27285 - Three Quarter Right
Medieval medicine offered few cures. Christians focused their hopes for recovery from illness or accident on their prayers to saints to intercede for them with God. Saints Cosmas and Damian, Protasius and Ger... More
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
French - Snuffbox with Mythological Scenes and Landscapes - Walters 57...
In "en plein" enameling, the enamel is applied directly to areas that have been carved out of a surface. This oval box displays Rococo gold work in scrolls and floral motifs. On the cover is a scene of Venus re... More
French - Window Panel with Saint Vincent on the Rack - Walters 4669
This stained glass panel, once part of a pair of windows from the Lady Chapel at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, represents Saint Vincent of Saragossa who was martyred in Gaul (France) in AD 304 under Emperor Diocletia... More
Funada Ikkin - Tsuba with Seasonal Flowers - Walters 5197 - Mark
The curved lines on this tsuba represent a stylized stream, upon which float flowers symbolizing the seasons. Cherry blossoms on the left and lower right are associated with spring time. The magnolia on the bot... More
German - Bowl with Scenes from the Legend of St Ursula - Walters 5369 ...
The narrative on this basin tells the story of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 companions, who embarked on a pious journey from England to the Continent only to be met by the Huns in Cologne and slaughtered. Ursula... More
German - Cartridge Box - Walters 51562
Beginning in the 1500s, pre-measured, paper-wrapped charges were used by foot soldiers and cavalry. They were carried in special, water-resistant containers. Boxes of this type were worn on the front of the thi... More
German - Wheellock pistol with inlaid grotesque masks - Walters 51441 ...
The proportions and balance of this pistol, including the "fishtail" butt curving around the hand, are visually pleasing and also make this 3 lb. 5.3 oz. gun easier to handle. The relative crudeness of the manu... More
Giambologna - The Dwarf Morgante Riding on a Dragon - Walters 54719
The dwarf Morgante was Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo de' Medici's jester. Dwarfs were commonly employed at courts, where they were looked upon as marvels of nature and, in the case of a jester, were expected to ... More
Giovanni Battista Castello - Adoration of the Magi - Walters W498
Giovan Battista Castello. 'Adoration of the Magi,' late 17th century. paint on parchment. Walters Art Museum (W.498): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Gotô Etsujô - Kozuka with Scroll and Prayer Beads - Walters 51665 - Ma...
This kozuka shows a scroll intertwined with prayer beads. The scroll is likely a Buddhist sutra or other religious text. The reverse is partially a copper alloy and partially gold.
Gotô Ichijô - Tsuba with a Lotus Pond - Walters 51176 - Mark A
This tsuba depicts a lotus pond with lotus flowers blossoming. The plants are depicted in gold and silver relief. On the back of the tsuba, a water bug skims the water between the lotus. The lotus is associated... More
Gotô Renjô - Kozuka with Mountain Ascetics' Implements - Walters 51667...
These objects are associated with mountain ascetic known as "yamabushi." On the left is a shakujô staff. The loose rings on the staff would jingle as the monk walked. In the middle is a straw hat. On the right ... More
Greek - Altar Cross - Walters 61133 - Back
This cross would have been placed on the altar and used by priests for blessing the faithful. In the 17th-18th centuries, it was usual for such crosses to be carved out of a single piece of boxwood and fitted w... 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
Greek - Aryballos with a Lion - Walters 482095
Facing to the right on this small aryballos is a lion in profile, its mouth open wide, surrounded by rosettes of different sizes. The lion's facial features, mane and musculature are enhanced by extensive incis... More
Greek - Diamond-Shaped Garment Ornaments - Walters 57391
In the center of the diamond-shaped gold ornaments are round settings containing garnets and enamel. Some of the stones and inlays have fallen out. On the back are tiny loops for sewing the ornaments to clothing.
Greek - Head of a Woman - Walters 48327
traces of white slip with plaster base Public domain photograph of ancient Greek artifact, archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Hamano Naoyuki - Fuchi with Basket of Peaches on a Table - Walters 511...
At the right, a basket with four peaches is depicted on a Chinese style writing table. Clouds swirl around the right of the table. Peaches are a symbol of longevity because peaches from a mythical garden were s... More
Hamano School - Tsuba with Bats and Crescent Moon - Walters 51229 - Ba...
At the top of this tsuba, a bat flies through the night sky. A new moon is in on the right. A second bat is at the lower right. On the reverse, incised lines at the lower left indicate water. Bats are a symbol ... More
Hamano Shôzui - Kashira with Crane - Walters 51959
A crane is depicted looking towards a shallow bowl of water. Cranes are an auspicious motif and a symbol of longevity. This is part of a set with Walters 51.958.
House of Fabergé - Kovsh - Walters 571920 - Three Quarter
This utensil is in the form of a kovsh, a boat-shaped drinking vessel. Both the spout in the shape of a monstrous bat with spreading wings and the handle terminating in a bust of a Kazan warrior have been cast ... More
House of Fabergé - Rose Trellis Egg - Walters 44501 (cropped)
On April 22, 1907, Tsar Nicholas II presented this egg to his wife, Alexandra Fedorovna, to commemorate the birth of the tsarevich, Alexei Nicholaievich, three years earlier. Because of the Russo-Japanese War i... 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
Ibn Sayyid Murad al-Husayni - The Bride with Mourners Carrying the Bri...
This folio from Walters manuscript W.649 depicts a scene from Suz va gudaz. Overcome with grief, the young Hindu woman accompanies her bridegroom's coffin to the funeral pyre and decides to commit sati (or self... More
Indian - Arm Rest - Walters 571577 - Detail A
This object seems to have functioned as a crutch for someone seated cross-legged. Given its lavish decoration, however, its owner must have been of high status.
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 - Bracelet with Portrait Miniatures - Walters 38665 - Detail E
The six segments of this bracelet feature miniature portraits of three Mughal emperors and their consorts. Indian artists adopted the technique of painting portrait miniatures on ivory with watercolors from Bri... 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 - Festive Image of Shiva and Uma - Walters 543023
The curves of Shiva's body are echoed by the swaying pose of his partner Uma. The battleaxe in Shiva's upper right hand destroys illusion, represented by the deer seen over Uma's shoulder.
Indian - Head of an Indian Village Deity - Walters 2561
Beginning as early as the 4th century BC, India played a vital role in international trade between the Roman, Parthian, and Chinese empires. Trade goods from the Far East included raw silk, gemstones, aromatic ... 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 - Leaf from Bound Collection of 20 Miniatures Depicting Village...
NaN Public domain photograph of ethnic groups in India, ethnography, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
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
Indian - The Worship of Buddha's Alms Bowl (?) - Walters 2537
This piece is carved in high relief.
Iranian - Lusterware Cross-Shaped Tile - Walters 481290
This lusterware cross-shaped tile is decorated with arabesque scrollwork, and bears an inscription in a band around the edge of the cross. This tile and Walters 48.1292 are from the tomb of Imamzada Yayha at Veramin.
Ishiguro Koreyoshi - Fuchi with Lotus Flowers - Walters 5112872a
The fuchi is part of a unified composition with the koi-guchi kanagu at the end of the hilt. Together, they depict lotus blossoms and leaves. This is part of a mounted set.
Ishiguro Masachika - Tsuka with Floral Scroll and Diamond Crests - Wal...
The kashira is decorated with a floral scroll motif and diamond crests ("mon"). The metal plates framing the mekugi pins also has the floral motif and the pin ends are in the shape of the diamond crest. This cr... More
Islamic - Painted Fragment of a "Tiraz" - Walters 83566 (2)
This painted linen fragment is a "tiraz," an official honorific inscription on textile. Such inscriptions combine verses from the Qur'an and pious invocations to God. This fragment is unusual in that the inscri... More
Italian - Cameo with Bust of a Hohenstaufen Emperor - Walters 421428
Engraved gems were one of the tools through which Frederick promoted his artistic agenda and he appears as the subject of this cameo crafted at his court. The motif of the bust of an emperor in military dress, ... More
Italian - Crozier Head with the Eagle of Saint John - Walters 71300 - ...
This crosier, possibly made in Sicily in the thirteenth century, is made of ivory with a depiction of an eagle set inside the crook. The curve of the crook is marked with small leaves or tendrils, reminiscent o... More
Italian - Leaf from Emblem Book - Walters W4762R - Open Obverse
NaN Public domain reproduction of Italian medieval illuminated manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Italian - Mirror Case with the Virgin and Saints - Walters 71282
The figures stand within a trefoil of tracery with rose terminals. The crowned Virgin, in voluminous drapery, holds the naked Christ Child between Mary Magdalen and Saint James Major. The background is plain, a... More
Japanese - Bottle with Omodaka Plant - Walters 491989 - Detail D
This is an example of Arita ware.
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.
Japanese - Kozuka with a Carp Ascending a Waterfall - Walters 51680
A carp is shown swimming up a waterfall. Carps are felicitous symbols in Japanese culture and are a sign of perseverance.
Japanese - Kozuka with Paulownia Motif - Walters 5111564 - Back
Several paulownia leaves and flowers decorate this kozuka. Paulownia was used as a crest ("mon") by the Imperial family and other powerful families. Today, it is used by the Japanese government. This is part of... More
Japanese - Kozuka with Two Puppies and Clam Shells in a Straw Basket -...
Two puppies are shown here playing with a basket of shells. The puppy on the right has a clam shell in its front paws. The puppy in the middle of the composition is climbing to the basket of shells. Three shell... More
Japanese - Leaf from Album Depicting Small Birds - Walters 3517213
NaN Public domain scan of print / book page depicting birds, ornithology, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Japanese - Set of Boxes for Storing Incense Wood - Walters 6783 - Open
A black and gold lacquer rectangular "ko bako" with overlapping lid cusped midway on two long sides; interior with six small covered boxes. On top of lid are four carp in a stream with low growth of water plant... More
Japanese - Teapot - Walters 491434
This is an example of Satsuma ware. Public domain reproduction of a teapot, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Japanese - Tsuba with Clouds - Walters 5112812
While the front and back of the tsuba are plain, clouds decorate the edge. This is part of a mounted set.
Japanese - Tsuka with Peonies and Phoenixes - Walters 5112372B - Back
The kashira depicts large blooming peonies with gold details in the center. Both menuki are in the shape of a "hô-ô" bird with a branch of plum blossoms in their beaks. "Hô-ô" are mythical birds often compared ... More
Japanese - Tsuka with Plants and Insects - Walters 5111463B - Detail A
The kashira is decorated with incised chrysanthemums and raised butterflies. One menuki is in the shape of a dragonfly. The other shows water plants in a stream. This is part of a mounted set.
Japanese - Umabari with Plum Blossoms - Walters 5111614 - Back
Five plum blossoms and buds decorate this umabari. This is part of a mounted set.
Japanese - Vase (kabin) - Walters 491668 - Mark A
This vase was made at the Kairakuen kiln which was the "garden kiln" sponsored by the Kii branch of the Tokugawa house, in Kii province. Like the Rakurakuen kiln, it operated irregularly (firing just four times... More
Jean Baptiste Edouard Detaille - Two Soldiers with Horses - Walters 37...
A priest and a peasant argue with an army officer who may be requisitioning supplies from the unwilling donors. The costumes suggest that the scene is set during the reign of Napoleon I (reigned 1804-15). A spe... More
Jean Petitot le Jeune - Portraits of Louis Bourbon and Marie-Adelaide ...
Louis Bourbon (1682-1712) was the grandson of King Louis XIV. He became heir to his grandfather's throne after his own father died in 1711. Louis Bourbon died in 1712, probably from the plague, a few days after... More
Jean Pénicaud II - Casket with Scenes from Genesis and the Life of Chr...
Decorating this casket are ten scenes from Genesis and two from the life of Christ. On the front of the lid are Abraham's preparations for the sacrifice of his son Isaac, ordered by God, and the Resurrected Chr... More
Johann Wilhelm Preyer - Still Life - Walters 37139
On a table covered with a red cloth are a slender glass of sparkling wine, a silver salver bearing oysters, a slice of lemon, a bunch of purple grapes still attached to a sprig of vine with one large leaf, and ... More
Kano Natsuo - Kozuka with Cherry Blossoms - Walters 51658 - Back
Near the middle of the composition are a cherry blossom and a bud floating in a stream. A single petal floats to their left. The stream is subtly indicated by incised lines.
Korean - Tea Bowl - Walters 492097 - Profile
This tea bowl is of the "hori-mishima" type. It was made to order for the Japanese market.
Kusakari Kiyosada I - Tsuba with Chinese Fans - Walters 51134
The front of this tsuba has six Chinese style fans surrounding the central hole and the holes for the utility knife and hair pick. Four fans are depicted on the reverse. The decoration in various alloys of gold... More
Lugal-dugedu - Cylinder Seal with Scene of Ritual Worship - Walters 42...
This seal depicts the presentation of a worshiper to a seated deity. An interceding goddess in a tiered dress leads the worshiper who holds one hand before his face in a pious gesture. The three-line inscriptio... More
Macdonald - Binding from Qur'an - Walters W555binding - Side B
Walters manuscript W.555 is bound in a black leather binding without a flap that is not contemporary to the textblock.The manuscript was rebound by Macdonald in December 1950.
Martín Rico y Ortega - Gathering Oranges, Granada - Walters 37185
In 1859, Rico received a scholarship to study in France. Rejected as a pupil by Daubigny, Rico turned to sketching outdoor river scenes near Paris on his own. He was encouraged in these pursuits by Alexandre Ca... More
Masatoshi - Kozuka with a Sparrow and a Basket - Walters 51741 - Back
A basket is suspended on a rope from a bamboo rod at the top of the composition. Several ferns stick out from the basket. A sparrow perches on the rope. The artist signed the kozuka on the reverse.
Masayoshi - Kozuka with Archer Shooting at Falcon - Walters 51859 - Ma...
An archer is depicted standing at the base of a tree shooting up at a falcon. This may be a reference to a narrative. The artist's signature is on the reverse.
Master Jean de Mauléon - Leaf from Book of Hours - Walters W44911R - O...
NaN Public domain reproduction of illuminated book or manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Master Jean de Mauléon - Leaf from Book of Hours - Walters W44976R - O...
NaN Public domain reproduction of illuminated book or manuscript page, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description