Eye of Horus

Size: 30,3 x 22,6 cm

Materials: Watercolour on watercolour paper

The tenth of the symbols is the Eye of Horus, sometimes called udjat or wadjet. Horus was an Egyptian sky god usually depicted as a falcon.

The symbol was also used as a measurement, particularly for ingredients in drugs and pigments. For this, it was divided into six parts, representing the shattering of Horus´ eye into six pieces. Each piece was associated with a specific fraction, but also with one of the six senses they assigned to humans, thought being the one we don’t use as a sense today.

In one of the Egyptian myths, Seth gouged out Horus’ left eye when they were fighting for the throne after the death of Osiris. Seth tore the eye into pieces. The left eye was discovered in pieces by Thoth (the god of wisdom and magic) who was able to reassemble them. Thoth gave the eye to Horus, and Horus offered it to his father, Osiris, hoping to restore his life. Because of this, the Eye of Horus was often used to symbolize sacrifice, healing, restoration, power, and protection.

It was believed to be able to ward off illness and bring the dead back to life (as Osiris). Funerary amulets used for offerings were often made in the shape of the Eye of Horus, and it was also used as a protective amulet.

I created the background with a mix of blending, sgraffito, and dry brush work.