Egyptian Goddess 1780

This terracotta sculpture of an Egyptian Goddess was crafted by Clodion, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Observe the seated figure with arms crossed, a posture evocative of contemplation. While this pose marks restraint, it simultaneously hints at concealed power, a visual echo of ancient Egyptian statuary. Consider the 'Isis Knot' prominently displayed on her chest. Known as the 'tyet' it symbolizes protection and immortality. Its resemblance to the ankh is not coincidental, it embodies similar life-affirming energies. Cross-armed figures appear across various cultures and epochs, from ancient funerary art to Renaissance portraiture, each instance subtly shifting in meaning, yet retaining that core element of introspection. This symbolic gesture taps into our collective subconscious, evoking a sense of timeless mystery. It reveals how symbols evolve, adapt, and resurface throughout history, mirroring humanity’s ongoing quest to express its deepest emotions and beliefs.