Omphalos Collection

The Turog Stone, 3rd century BC
The Turoe Stone, in La Tene style, possible an Omphalos. In County Galway in Ireland, 3rd century BC

1857 Gosse pterodactyle Bat-Lizards
1857 Illustration by Philip Gosse for his book " Omphalos" (which sought to explain that the world looked older than Creation because it had to be constructed by God with inbuilt history so)

Apollo (marble)
2561938 Apollo (marble) by Roman; Musei Capitolini, Rome, Italy; (add.info.: Copy of the Omphalos Apollo attributed to Kalamis, 480-460 BC.); Photo © Stefano Baldini

Carthaginian pendant, c. 7th - 6th century BC (gold)
622015 Carthaginian pendant, c.7th - 6th century BC (gold) by Phoenician; length: 2.7 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Embossed sheet disc embellished on one side with filigree and granulation)

Attic red-figure krater depicting Orestes as suppliant at the shrine of Apollo in Delphi
PWI92567 Attic red-figure krater depicting Orestes as suppliant at the shrine of Apollo in Delphi, attributed to the Apulian Eumenides Painter (pottery) (see 92568 for detail) by Greek

Orestes as a Suppliant at the Shrine of Apollo in Delphi
PWI92568 Orestes as a Suppliant at the Shrine of Apollo in Delphi, detail from an Attic red-figure krater, attributed to the Apulian Eumenides Painter (pottery) (detail of 92567) by Greek

Attic red-figure krater depicting Orestes as suppliant at the shrine of Apollo in Delphi
XIR175938 Attic red-figure krater depicting Orestes as suppliant at the shrine of Apollo in Delphi, attributed to the Apulian Eumenides Painter, c.380 BC (pottery) (detail) by Greek School

The Oracle, 1880 (oil on canvas)
3077145 The Oracle, 1880 (oil on canvas) by Miola, Camillo (Biacca) (1840-1919); 108x142.9 cm; J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, USA; (add.info.: At the Delphic Oracle, according to Greek tradition)

Omphalos from Delphi, 2nd century BC
The Omphalos (world-navel, or world-centre) from Delphi, from the Delphi Museums collection, 2nd century BC

1854 Philip Gosse colour litho of anemone
Anemone chromolithograph by Philip Henry Gosse, from Gosses " The Aquarium, an unveiling of the wonders of the deep sea" London Van Voorst 1854

1854 Philip Gosse colour litho of Wrasse
" Ancient Wrasse" chromolithograph by Philip Henry Gosse, from Gosses " The Aquarium, an unveiling of the wonders of the deep sea" London Van Voorst 1854

1854 Philip Gosse colour litho starfish
" Starfish" chromolithograph by Philip Henry Gosse, from Gosses " The Aquarium, an unveiling of the wonders of the deep sea" London Van Voorst 1854

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"Unveiling the Mysteries: Exploring the Omphalos through Time and Art" The ancient Turog Stone, dating back to the 3rd century BC, stands as a testament to the enigmatic power of the omphalos. This sacred stone, believed to be at the center of the world, has captivated minds for centuries. In 1857, Philip Gosse's pterodactyl Bat-Lizards took flight across his canvas, intertwining with Apollo's marble statue. The juxtaposition of myth and prehistoric creatures highlights humanity's eternal fascination with divine beings and their connection to our earthly realm. A Carthaginian pendant from the 7th - 6th century BC showcases intricate goldwork depicting an omphalos. This exquisite piece serves as a reminder that different civilizations throughout history revered this symbol in various ways. An Attic red-figure krater transports us to Delphi where Orestes seeks solace as a suppliant at Apollo's shrine. The detailed artwork captures both Orestes' desperation and Apollo's divine presence, emphasizing how individuals turned to these sacred sites for guidance and redemption. "The Oracle, " an oil painting from 1880, portrays seekers eagerly awaiting answers from Delphi's prophetic priestess. Their hopes hang on her words whispered by Apollo himself—a testament to mankind’s ceaseless quest for knowledge and foresight. Another remarkable artifact is an Omphalos from Delphi dating back to the 2nd century BC. Crafted with precision and reverence, it embodies not only physical beauty but also spiritual significance—an object connecting mortals with gods. A libation bowl adorned with golden rosettes further exemplifies devotion towards this mystical symbol. Each petal represents prayers offered up in faith—testimony to humanity’s desire for communion with higher powers. Philip Gosse’s vibrant lithographs capture nature’s wonders alongside these ancient artifacts.