Roman painting showing Heron

Roman painting showing Heron – the Egyptian god – who was identified with Horus and attributed to him the role of restorer and guardian of justice. In the painting, Heron was shown dressed as a Roman soldier: wearing a breastplate, protective greaves and a cape. The god offers incense and makes a liquid offering next to the column supporting the gryphon of Nemesis, the goddess of divine vengeance.

The object is dated to the 3rd century CE and was found in Egypt. The warm climate allowed the wooden panel to be preserved together with the painting to this day. The artefact is in the RISD Museum in Providence (USA).