Nemesis in the form of a griffin
Unknown Artist
1–300
Medium
Faience
Dimensions
H 16.4 × W 7.4 × D12 cm (6 7/16 × 2 15/16 × 4 3/4 in.)
Classification
Figurine, griffin (?), Nemesis (?)
Period
Roman Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
Accession Number
17.194.2229
Art Historical Context
Behold the striking *Nemesis in the form a griffin*, a yet powerful faience sculpture from Egypt's Roman Period (1–300 CE). Craft from this ancient medium—a glazed ceramic made from quartz paste, quartz sand, and lime frit—faience was prized for its vibrant turquoise hue and glossy finish, evoking the precious stone lapis lazuli. At just 16.4 cm tall, this figurine exemplifies the exquisite miniaturization of Egyptian artistry, perfect for amulets, votives, or household shrines. Nemesis, the Greek goddess of retribution and divine justice, here takes the fierce form of a griffin—a mythical hy...