Ancient Egypt's most distinctive monument save the pyramid, the obelisk appears in pairs at the entrances to many sacred temples.

Balancing the benevolence of other gods, the Egyptian deity Seth symbolized death and destruction. Handpainted with gold leaf.

First domesticated in Egypt over 4,000 years ago, cats were originally used in temples as guardians.

Osiris, god of the dead, is the ancient Egyptian symbol of resurrection and immortality. Handpainted with gold leaf.

A divine harbinger of success, this votive figure of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory, embodies the classical spirit.

Graceful urn is an adaptation of a classic 5th-century Greek work. Large-scale versions may be seen in the gardens of Versailles.

From the 7th to 4th centuries BC, the Hoplites were considered the most fearsome and warlike of the Greeks.