Temple of Isis at Pompeii - The Grave of the Egyptian buying God Osiris - 1st Century AD - 12x12" Canvas Wall Art

A 12x12" image of a 1st Century AD wall fresco of the Temple of Isis - from Pompeii in the 1st Century AD!

This scene is part of the Funeral Rites of Osiris, the husband of the Goddess Isis who was slain by his brother Set. Osiris then became the Lord presiding over the Dead in the afterlife. This celebration was held in the Temple of Isis in Pompeii during the last month of the inundation (the annual Nile flood), coinciding with Spring.

Here the sarcophagus of Osiris is on display, after his body has been found and restored by the Goddess Isis. This is buying a time of mourning, after Osiris has been slain and before he transcends death to become the Lord of the Afterworld.

In this haunting scene, a lone worshiper honors Osiris by sacrificing at the altar before the temple structure. The temple is otherwise empty - except for the hawk of Horus sitting on the Sarcophagus. This is a forshadowing sign that Osiris will be avenged and the order of the Heavens will be set to right after the rebellion of Set. Away from the Temple to the far left a mysterious figure seems to be walking away - another sign that the Temple is abandoned at this time of sadness.

This part of the Mysteries of Isis may have been much like Easter - a public mourning for the death of the god, who will be reborn. No doubt the next part festival to come would have been Osiris becoming the King in the next world.

This 12x12" canvas is 1.5 inches deep, suitable for hanging without a frame, and wide enough to be displayed on a shelf or table.