Byzantine - Chrismon Lamp - Walters 482569 - Three Quarter
This terracotta lamp displays the superimposed Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P), the monogram of Christ. These initials form a symbol that serves as an invocation, or appeal, for his divine protection. People ... More
Byzantine - Dish - Walters 57652
This dish is dated by the silver hallmarks (stamps) on its back to the early years of the reign of Heraclius, Byzantine emperor in AD 610-41. The center of the dish is decorated with a vine border and bears the... More
Byzantine - Earring - Walters 571729
Annular earring with three pendants of plaited chains to each of which is attached a croix patee of hollow gold, the front ornamented with repousse featherings and a central cell holding green vitreous paste; b... More
Byzantine - Head Ornament - Walters 57546
This luxurious piece of jewelry may have been a hair ornament, or one of two pendants that hung from a noblewoman's crown or headdress. The small bust of a woman with a turreted crown is identified by the Gree... More
Byzantine - Key - Walters 541023
This type of key, commonly used during the Byzantine period, could be easily carried, an important feature at a time when clothes had no pockets. The hoop of the key fits like a finger ring, and the short barr... More
Byzantine - Lamp with the Raising of Lazarus - Walters 482637 - Side A
An enshrouded Lazarus stands in the doorway of his tomb following his resurrection. Possessing an image of the Raising of Lazarus expressed the central Christian belief in resurrection, and also served to ward ... More
Byzantine - Lamp with the Raising of Lazarus - Walters 482637 - Three ...
An enshrouded Lazarus stands in the doorway of his tomb following his resurrection. Possessing an image of the Raising of Lazarus expressed the central Christian belief in resurrection, and also served to ward ... More
Byzantine - Menorah Flask - Walters 47673
This hexagonal flask is decorated with a menorah, a palm tree, and geometric forms. Many similar flasks substitute crosses for the Jewish symbol, indicating that a single workshop served the needs of both Chris... More
Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 571727 - Detail A
Made for a middle-class woman, this necklace is composed of simple, toy-like ducks that appear to be solid gold, yet are actually stamped out of thin foil. This creates the false impression of a very costly ne... More
Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 571817
Wealthy women in the Byzantine Empire favored elaborate necklaces such as these. Pearls and emeralds (from Egypt) were most highly prized, although amethysts evoked the imperial use of the color purple.
Byzantine - Necklace - Walters 57544 - View A
Wealthy women in the Byzantine Empire favored elaborate necklaces such as these. Pearls and emeralds (from Egypt) were most highly prized, although amethysts evoked the imperial use of the color purple.
Byzantine - Pilgrim Flask - Walters 482521 - Back
This flask shows a shrouded figure, perhaps Lazarus, emerging from the partially opened doors of a tomb. On the reverse is a cross under an arch. These two images evoked the pilgrim's belief in Christ's victor... More
Byzantine - Pilgrim Flask - Walters 482521
This flask shows a shrouded figure, perhaps Lazarus, emerging from the partially opened doors of a tomb. On the reverse is a cross under an arch. These two images evoked the pilgrim's belief in Christ's victor... More
Byzantine - Processional or Altar Cross - Walters 57641
Originally, this cross had "pendelia" (jewels, crosslets, or Greek letters) suspended from the four holes in its horizontal arms. Like other medium-sized crosses with a tang, this one could have been carried i... More
Byzantine - Ring - Walters 571604 - Group
Unlike seal and marriage rings, which had functional and social significance, small rings of this type were purely ornamental.
Byzantine - Ring - Walters 571642 - Group
Unlike seal and marriage rings, which had functional and social significance, small rings of this type were purely ornamental.
Byzantine - Spoon - Walters 57647
This type of spoon, which could have been made out of wood, bone, or metal, was commonly used in Early Byzantine homes. The cross inscription invokes divine protection and blessings for the household.
Byzantine - Steelyard - Walters 54197
Steelyards, or scales, were used in the Roman and Byzantine Empires for weighing heavy objects in the marketplace. They are, in fact, still in use today. The steelyard (named for its more recent function of w... More
Byzantine - Steelyard Weight - Walters 542654 - Three Quarter Left
This rare, bronze counterweight was used with a steelyard. Filled with lead, it would have been moved along the calibrated arm of the scales until the beam balanced. This large weight is distinguished by its un... More
Byzantine - Steelyard Weight - Walters 542654 - Three Quarter Right
This rare, bronze counterweight was used with a steelyard. Filled with lead, it would have been moved along the calibrated arm of the scales until the beam balanced. This large weight is distinguished by its un... More
Byzantine - Steelyard Weight - Walters 542654
This rare, bronze counterweight was used with a steelyard. Filled with lead, it would have been moved along the calibrated arm of the scales until the beam balanced. This large weight is distinguished by its un... More
Byzantine - Strainer - Walters 57650
The celebration of the Divine Liturgy is one of the most important ceremonies in the Christian Church. This strainer is part of a silver service (with Walters 57.634, 57.635, 57.642, 57.644, 57.645, 57.646, 57... More
Coptic - Cupboard Doors - Walters 61303
These wooden panels are the finest and most complete examples to survive from the Early Byzantine period, having been preserved in the dry sands of Egypt. The panels, made for a cupboard or cabinet (or possibl... More
Coptic - Tunic - Walters 83484 - Public domain museum image. A black a...
Given its small size, this tunic was probably made for a child. The ornamentation includes garlands, birds, and animals, all popular motifs in Early Byzantine Egypt. This type of tunic was worn by men, women,... More
Egyptian - Two Figures - Walters 7119
The plaque shows a male figure with arm raised above his head and a putto holding a shell. It has been squared for use as inlay, and has been badly broken and repaired.
Egyptian - Vase with Relief Decoration - Walters 481621
Faience vessels with decorations in raised relief are typical of the early Roman Period in Egypt. Some have only vegetal patterns; others combine floral and geometric patterns with representations of animals. T... More
Gnaios - Intaglio of an Athlete - Walters 42109
This gem is signed by Gnaios, a well-known gem-carver of the late 1st century BC. It depicts a famous Greek statue by one of the followers of the renowned sculptor Polykleitos, from the late 5th century BC.
Greco-Roman - Cameo Ring with a Prancing Horse - Walters 42112
Anonymous (Greco-Roman). 'Cameo Ring with a Prancing Horse,' 1st century BC-AD 1st century. onyx, gold. Walters Art Museum (42.112): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1910.
Greco-Roman - Gem with Oedipus and the Sphinx - Walters 42465
The Sphinx (meaning "strangler") was a savage creature with the head of a woman, the body of a lion, and the wings of a bird, sent by Hera to plague the city of Thebes. Oedipus encountered her at the entrance t... More
Greek - Intaglio of a Mithraic Sacrifice - Walters 421342
Mithras was a Persian creation god, as well as the god of light. Mithraism, the mystery religion associated with him, spread throughout the Roman Empire. Initiation into Mithraism was restricted to men and was ... More
Greek - Panther-Head Armrest Decoration from a Couch - Walters 54710
The detail, three-dimensionality, and realism of the animal's expression distinguish this as the work of a Hellenistic artist. The panther was associated with Dionysus, and knotted around its neck is a garland... More
Italic - Bowl with Incised Lotus, Spirals, and Tongue Patterns - Walte...
NaN Public domain photograph of Italian artifact, archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Praenestine - Cista Depicting Helen of Troy and Paris - Walters 54132
Cistae were containers used to safeguard precious objects, including mirrors, perfume flasks, and cosmetics. A particular type of cista was made during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC in Praeneste, a site in Latiu... More
Roman - "Alabastron" with Silver Case - Walters 57932 - Side A
In the early Roman period, glass was a precious material ranked alongside gold, silver, and gems. It was often combined with precious metals for a luxurious effect. To create this "alabastron," a vessel for per... More
Roman - "Alabastron" with Silver Case - Walters 57932
In the early Roman period, glass was a precious material ranked alongside gold, silver, and gems. It was often combined with precious metals for a luxurious effect. To create this "alabastron," a vessel for per... More
Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708 - Back
This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More
Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708 - Left
This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More
Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708 - Three Quarter
This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More
Roman - Amphora with Bacchic Scenes - Walters 57708
This amphora has lost one of its handles. The scenes on the amphora include Bacchus and his consort, Ariadne, with their followers among temples, hills, and trees. A later inscription appears on the neck, where... More
Roman - Amulet of Mithras Slaying the Bull, and the God Abraxas - Walt...
Mithras was a Persian creation god, as well as the god of light. Mithraism, the mystery religion associated with him, spread throughout the Roman Empire. Initiation into Mithraism was restricted to men and wa... More
Roman - Amuletic Inscription - Walters 571960 - Back
This thin sheet of gold (lamella) is inscribed with Greek letters and magical symbols. The text, written by a professional scribe for a man named Proclus, contains a spell to ensure his victory in a trial befor... More
Roman - Antefix in the Form of a Theatrical Mask - Walters 23202
This mask has open eyes and mouth. Public domain photograph of ancient Greek artifact, archaeological object, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Roman - Beaked Pitcher - Walters 54947 - Detail A
This "oinochoe," a pitcher for serving wine or water, has the head of Eros (the child-god of love, also known to the Romans as Cupid) at the base of the handle. A griffin overlooks the spout.
Roman - Beaked Pitcher - Walters 54947 - Left
This "oinochoe," a pitcher for serving wine or water, has the head of Eros (the child-god of love, also known to the Romans as Cupid) at the base of the handle. A griffin overlooks the spout.
Roman - Beaked Pitcher - Walters 54947 - Right
This "oinochoe," a pitcher for serving wine or water, has the head of Eros (the child-god of love, also known to the Romans as Cupid) at the base of the handle. A griffin overlooks the spout.
Roman - Beaked Pitcher - Walters 54947 - Three Quarter Left
This "oinochoe," a pitcher for serving wine or water, has the head of Eros (the child-god of love, also known to the Romans as Cupid) at the base of the handle. A griffin overlooks the spout.
Roman - Beaked Pitcher - Walters 54947 - Three Quarter Right
This "oinochoe," a pitcher for serving wine or water, has the head of Eros (the child-god of love, also known to the Romans as Cupid) at the base of the handle. A griffin overlooks the spout.
Roman - Beaked Pitcher - Walters 54947
This "oinochoe," a pitcher for serving wine or water, has the head of Eros (the child-god of love, also known to the Romans as Cupid) at the base of the handle. A griffin overlooks the spout.
Roman - Bearded Man in Profile - Walters 42539
Anonymous (Roman). 'Bearded man in profile,' 3rd century. Green basalt ?. Walters Art Museum (42.539): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Roman - Bowl - Walters 4784 - View A
This bowl has a flat bottom, a projecting rim, and a striped mosaic design in yellow, green, and red.
Roman - Bowl with Raising of Lazarus - Walters 482632 - Interior
According to the Gospel of John, Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, fell ill and died while Jesus was away teaching. When Jesus returned, he called to Lazarus to come forth from the dead, as seen here in ... More
Roman - Bracelet with Lion's Head with an Apple in Its Mouth - Walters...
This bracelet is decorated with tubes wound around a core, and with granulation.
Roman - Coin with a Hippopotamus and Portrait of Otacilia Severa - Wal...
This coin shows Otacilia Severa on the front and a hippopotamus on the reverse.
Roman - Coin with Denarius with Roma - Walters 59763 (cropped)
Anonymous (Roman). 'Coin with Denarius with Roma,' 93-92 BC. silver. Walters Art Museum (59.763): Gift of Mrs. Sidney S. Doolittle, 1974.
Roman - Coin with Denarius with Roma - Walters 59763
Anonymous (Roman). 'Coin with Denarius with Roma,' 93-92 BC. silver. Walters Art Museum (59.763): Gift of Mrs. Sidney S. Doolittle, 1974.
Roman - Crouching Venus - Walters 421007 - Three Quarter
Fully carved intaglio. Public domain photograph of archaeological object, Roman Empire, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Roman - Funeral Stele - Walters 2316 - Three Quarter
This marble funeral stele is inscribed. In the right end is a ring, in the left a vase, unfinished. There is a clamp hole in each end near the top. The base and the top do not belong to the stele. CIL VI 23414:... More
Roman - Funeral Stele - Walters 23175
This funeral stele depicts two men, two dogs, and trees. There is an inscription in the moulding abve and at the left.
Roman - Funeral Stele with Figure Guiding a Horse and Rider - Walters ...
This funeral stele depicts a figure guiding a horse with a rider. Above are a standing and a seated figure. The piece is the altar of M. Junius Rufus and bears an inscription. On the right and left ends are mas... More
Roman - Funerary Monument of a Husband and Wife - Walters 2320
This type of funerary monument, a framed grave relief, was most common during the era of the Roman Republic (509-27 BC). The realistic treatment of the eyes, the woman's hairstyle, with her long braids wound ar... More
Roman - Gem with Intaglio with Bellerophon and Pegasos - Walters 42131...
Gem engraving was a major art form in ancient Greece and Rome. Precious stones were thought to have healing and protective powers and were used as amulets and seals as well as jewelry. Engraved or incised gems,... More
Roman - Gem with the Head of Herakles - Walters 42511
The sard shows a youthful Herakles in profile facing right. He has long, curly hair covered in part by the lion skin on his head, its paws tied on the hero's chest in the typical fashion, the so-called Herakles... More
Roman - Genius Wearing a Toga - Walters 542329 - Three Quarter Right
The statuette represents the "genius," or spirit, of an important official. Such deities were honored in household cults during this period. The figure wears a toga that has been pulled up to cover his head, as... More
Roman - Gold Necklace - Walters 571554
The chain of this necklace is composed of flattened links. Public domain photograph of archaeological object, Roman Empire, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Roman - Gold Necklace with Heart-Shaped Plaques - Walters 57524
This piece is decorated with coarse filigree, open work, and granulation.
Roman - Imperial Medallion of Constantine I - Walters 59690
This medallion of Constantine the Great (ruled 306-337) was struck at the mint of Nicomedia (now Izmit, Turkey) for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of his rule. The Latin inscription on the reverse refe... More
Roman - Intaglio of a Circus with a Chariot Race - Walters 421314
Anonymous (Roman). 'Intaglio of a Circus with a Chariot Race,' 2nd-4th century. jasper. Walters Art Museum (42.1314): Museum purchase, 1942.
Roman - Intaglio of a Julio-Claudian Prince - Walters 42140
Anonymous (Roman). 'Intaglio of a Julio-Claudian Prince,' 2nd century. glass. Walters Art Museum (42.140): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1911.
Roman - Intaglio of a Man - Walters 421133
Anonymous (Roman). 'Intaglio of a Man,' 1st century BC. sard, brass ring. Walters Art Museum (42.1133): Museum purchase, 1942.
Roman - Intaglio of Aeneas with Anchises and Ascanius - Walters 421186
The hero Aeneas flees the fallen city of Troy carrying his father, Anchises, on his shoulder and holding his son, Ascanius, by the hand.
Roman - Intaglio of Amphitrite and Poseidon on a Sea Monster - Walters...
Anonymous (Roman). 'Intaglio of Amphitrite and Poseidon on a Sea Monster,' 2nd century. sard. Walters Art Museum (42.538): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Roman - Intaglio of an Emperor with Laurel Wreath - Walters 42165 - Im...
A picture of a man with a beard in a circle, Roman Empire, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Roman - Intaglio of Hora of Summer - Walters 421341
This piece is carved intaglio. The Horai were goddesses representing the seasons.
Roman - Intaglio of Man Seated by Priapus - Walters 542211
Anonymous (Roman). 'Intaglio of Man Seated by Priapus,' 1st century. sard, bronze. Walters Art Museum (54.2211): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Roman - Intaglio of Medusa - Walters 421340
This piece is carved intaglio.
Roman - Intaglio of Satyr Dancing - Walters 42108 - Impression
Anonymous (Roman). 'Intaglio of Satyr Dancing,' 2nd-1st century BC. sard, gold ring. Walters Art Museum (42.108): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1909.
Roman - Intaglio of Three Cupids in a Boat - Walters 42467
This piece is carved in intaglio. Public domain photograph of archaeological object, Roman Empire, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Roman - Jar with Wide Mouth - Walters 48135
NaN Public domain photograph of archaeological object, Roman Empire, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Roman - Jar with Wide Mouth - Walters 48136
NaN Public domain photograph of archaeological object, Roman Empire, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
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 - Jug with Birds - Walters 48104 - Detail
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 - Jug with Birds - Walters 48104 - Left
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 - Jug with Birds - Walters 48104 - Right
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 - Jug with Birds - Walters 48104 - Three Quarter Right
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 - Jug with Birds - Walters 48104
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 - Lamp in the Form of a Ram's Head - Walters 541189
Roman oil lamps made of bronze or terracotta were common artifacts of ancient Roman life. Bronze lamps with the whimsical shapes of real or mythical animals or peoples were most valued.
Roman - Lamp Stand - Walters 541915
Candelabra, or lamp stands, supported the oil lamps that the Romans used for light. A bronze or terracotta lamp would be placed on top of the stand, while hooks on the sides would hold chains from which other l... More
Roman - Medallion with Alexander the Great - Walters 591 - Obverse
Together with Walters 59.2 and 59.3, this piece was discovered in Egypt as part of a hoard that comprised about twenty similar medallions (now dispersed among various museums), eighteen gold ingots, and six hun... More
Roman - Medallion with Olympias - Walters 592 - Obverse
Together with 59.1 and 59.3, this piece is part of a series of large gold medallions that was commissioned to honor Emperor Caracalla, representing him as the descendant of Alexander the Great. These medallions... More
Roman - Medallion with Olympias - Walters 592 - Reverse
Together with 59.1 and 59.3, this piece is part of a series of large gold medallions that was commissioned to honor Emperor Caracalla, representing him as the descendant of Alexander the Great. These medallions... More
Roman - Medallion with Roman Emperor Caracalla - Walters 593 - Obverse
Together with 59.1 and 59.2, this piece was discovered in Egypt as part of a hoard that comprised about twenty similar medallions (now dispersed among various museums), eighteen gold ingots, and six hundred gol... More
Roman - Medallion with Roman Emperor Caracalla - Walters 593 - Reverse
Together with 59.1 and 59.2, this piece was discovered in Egypt as part of a hoard that comprised about twenty similar medallions (now dispersed among various museums), eighteen gold ingots, and six hundred gol... More
Roman - Necklace and Pendant with Busts of Isis and Haroeris - Walters...
Anonymous (Roman). 'Necklace and Pendant with Busts of Isis and Haroeris,' 2nd-1st century BC. gold. Walters Art Museum (57.539): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Roman - Necklace with "Knot-of-Hercules" Links and Pomegranate Pendant...
Fourteen polygonal beads of obsidian (?) alternate with flattened, "Knot of Hercules" gold links. A pomegranate-like pendant of carnelian is threaded at the center. The lyre-volute member of the hook and eye cl... More
Roman - Necklace with Child's-Head Pendant - Walters 571864 - Detail (...
This necklace is a pastiche. The carnelian beads are ancient and strung on modern gold links. The lion-head finials comprising the hook and eye clasp are reused from Greek earrings. The child's head boldly carv... More
Roman - Necklace with Child's-Head Pendant - Walters 571864 - Detail
This necklace is a pastiche. The carnelian beads are ancient and strung on modern gold links. The lion-head finials comprising the hook and eye clasp are reused from Greek earrings. The child's head boldly carv... More
Roman - Necklace with Head of Helios or Medusa - Walters 57516
This necklace is composed of coarse chain link and a repoussé disc.
Roman - Necklace with Large Open-Work Disk and Snakes' Head Closure - ...
This necklace is decorated with pseudo-filigree open work and beaten gold.
Roman - Necklace with Lion's-Head Closures - Walters 57588
This necklace has a folded gold foil chain. Public domain photograph of archaeological object, Roman Empire, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Roman - Necklace with Pendant Coins - Walters 571600
The gold necklace is composed of four braided chains. They are gathered together and, after passing through two large beads, cross over to the opposite bead where the ends are secured. The ends of the chains ar... More