Animals

Objects depicting or inspired by animals, ranging from sculptures to decorative motifs. These works reflect humanity’s fascination with the natural world and its symbolic roles across cultures.

John Collier, Lilith, oil on canvas, 1892

Lilith (1892 CE)

Art John Collier Painting Preraphaelite

A Pre-Raphaelite oil painting portraying the mythical Lilith, nude and entwined with a serpent.

John Collier, Lady Godiva, oil on canvas, 1897–1898

Lady Godiva (1897-1898 CE)

Art John Collier Painting Preraphaelite

A Pre-Raphaelite oil painting, depicting the noblewoman Lady Godiva’s legendary nude ride through Coventry.

John Collier, Circe, oil on canvas, 1885.

Circe (1885 CE)

Art John Collier Painting Preraphaelite

A preraphaelite oil painting portraying the seductive enchantress Circe from Homer’s Odyssey surrounded by symbols of her transformative magic

Majapahit terracotta piggy bank from Java shaped as a wild boar, 1300–1400s CE.

Java Piggy Bank (1300-1400s CE)

Antiquities Asia Coins and Currency Indonesia

This Majapahit Dynasty terracotta piggy bank from Java, Indonesia, shaped as a wild boar with a fierce expression and coin slot, reflects the empire’s economic prosperity and Hindu-Buddhist artistry

Isthmian gold pendant figure with deer antlers, Panama region, 400–700 CE.

Figure with Deer Antlers Pendant (400–700 CE)

Antiquities Ceremonial & Religious Isthmian culture Mesoamerica

This 5th–8th century CE gold pendant from Panama or Venado Beach region depicts a hybrid male figure with deer, feline, and serpent features.

Sasanian silver-gilt dish with royal lion hunt, 400s–500s CE.

Dish With King Hormizd II (400s-500s CE)

Antiquities Household Items Iran Middle East

This 5th–6th century CE Sasanian silver-gilt dish, depicting a royal lion hunt possibly of King Hormizd II, showcases intricate metalwork and symbolizes kingship and divine order.