Isis is commonly and well known as the wife of Osiris, an Egyptian Goddess. But what most people don't know is that she is the Egyptian goddess of many things, such as marriage, fertility, motherhood, magic and medicine. This is why I call her the Goddess of many names. In the Egyptian literature they use many different names/titles for Goddess Isis. The worship of Isis, and her temples spread throughout Egypt. She was first worshiped in Ancient Egyptian religions, and later her worship spread throughout the Roman Empire and the greater Roman world.
Upper Part of Figurine of the Goddess Isis, Unknown, 305-30 B.C.E., From the collection of: Brooklyn Museum
Dating back to 30 BC, this partially preserved bust of the Egyptian goddess Isis is carved out of compacted quartz. Isis, known as the goddess of health and wisdom, is wearing a formal headdress and smiling, giving a feeling of harmony in the image. The focal point in this sculpture would be of the Goddess cupping her left breast. For some it's because it's her breast, but for most females/mothers it's the focal point because we would know that is the hand position when you are nursing your baby.
Bronze figure of Isis and Horus, From the collection of: British Museum
From a private British collection, this statuette dates from the Late Dynastic Period, circa 600 BC. This sculpture is of the seated goddess, holding her son Horus on her lap. The position that she is holding him, reflects that she was breast feeding young Horus. This image of the Goddess of Egypt can be depicted as Mary and baby Jesus. It shows a bond between mother and child.
1974, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
Isis a goddess from the polytheistic pantheon of Ancient Egypt. She was first worshiped in Ancient Egyptian religion, her worship spread throughout the Roman Empire and the greater Greco-Roman world.
http://www.britannica.com/topic/Isis-Egyptian-goddess
Figurine of goddess Isis, unknown, 175/250, From the collection of: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
Isis is often depicted as the mother of Horus, the falcon-headed deity associated with king and kingship (although in some traditions Horus's mother was Hathor).
http://www.britannica.com/topic/Isis-Egyptian-goddess
Breast plate with Isis en Nephtys, unknown, -1500/-300, From the collection of: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
Aegis of Isis, -250/-200, From the collection of: British Museum
This is Isis headdress in a throne form. As the personification of the throne, she was an important representation of the pharaoh's power. This is why she was worshiped by many.
Statuette, Isis and infant Horus, Date unknown, From the collection of: Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Isis is also known as protector of the dead and goddess of children. "Hint" why we see so many sculptures of her and baby Horus, bonding/nursing. The name Isis means "Throne".
Statue of Isis protecting Osiris, -590/-530, From the collection of: British Museum
Isis was worshipped as the ideal mother and wife as well as the patroness of nature and magic. She was the friend of slaves, sinners, artisans and the downtrodden, but she also listened to the prayers of the wealthy, maidens, aristocrats and rulers.
Winged Isis pectoral, Unknown, 538 B.C. - 519 B.C., From the collection of: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Isis is still widely worshiped by many pagans today in diverse religious contexts; including a number of distinct pagan religions, the modern Goddess movement, and interfaith organizations such as the Fellowship of Isis.
Stone figurine of Isis lactans, Egyptian workshop, -0664/-0525, From the collection of: Benaki Museum of Greek Civilization
The Temple of Isis, Philae, Maxime Du Camp, Louis Désiré Blanquart-Evrard, negative April 13, 1850; print 1852, From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
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