Egyptian Bronze Horus Falcon on Shrine-Shaped Base

LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-31 B.C.

5 7/8 in. (521 grams, 15 cm).

Naturalistically modelled falcon with incised feathers and detailing; standing on a shrine-shaped rectangular box with slightly battered sides and cornice moulding; inked note on the inside of each long side 'E.311' and 'Collection R.L.' respectively.

Provenance

Collected between the 1950s-1990s.
Ex Roger Liechti (1934-2010) collection, Geneva, Switzerland.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12133-211848.

Literature

Cf. Davies, S., and Smith, H.S., The Sacred Animal Necropolis at North Saqqara. The Falcon Complex and Catacomb: The Archaeological Report, London, 2005, p.24 (no.FCO-478), pl.LXVIa, for a close parallel from one of the subterranean falcon mummy galleries at Saqqara.

Footnotes

This box almost certainly once contained the mummified remains of a falcon. The falcon was principally identified with the sun-god Horus, and associated with the living king. Numerous falcon cults existed throughout Egypt, but the most spectacular was found at Saqqara, where many thousands of birds were mummified and buried in an extensive complex of underground galleries.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0022