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LOT 0494
Egyptian Bronze Statue of Isis with Inscribed Base
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
8 5/8 in. (875 grams, 22.1 cm including stand).
Seated figure of the goddess, wearing a vulture headdress from which the bird’s head projects, topped by a crown consisting of a low modius of rearing cobras, surmounted by cow horns and a central sun disk; a tight-fitting three-quarter-length dress; shown suckling the naked infant Horus, with a uraeus at his brow; the goddess’s feet rest on a plinth, of which two sides are inscribed with a dedication, only partially preserved: (May) Isis give life (to) Wennenefer [......] Ankh-hor-(en)-sa (Ꜣst rdı͗ Ꜥnḫ wn n nfr [……] ꜥnḫ ḥr (n) sꜢ (?)). [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the estate of Alexander Dobkin (1908-1975), New York, USA, acquired prior to 1975.
Thence by descent to his daughter, Katherine Dobkin, New York, USA.
Cf. Daressy, G., Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire N° 38001-39384 Statues de divinités, Cairo, 1906, p. 332 (CG39323), pl. LXII, for a similar example.
FootnotesIsis, one of the principal goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon, was revered as divine mother, protector of kingship, and mistress of magic. As the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus, she embodied maternal care, resurrection, and cosmic order, playing a central role in myths of death and renewal. Isis lactans statuettes emphasise this intimate maternal relationship and its protective and regenerative power; such bronzes were widely dedicated in temples and domestic shrines as votive objects invoking divine protection, healing, and royal legitimacy.
The lacuna in the inscription on this example most likely supplied the filiation between the two named individuals.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0494
Egyptian Bronze Statue of Isis with Inscribed Base
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,330
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Egyptian Steatite Scarab Collection
Hyksos Period and New Kingdom, 18th-13th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
Each with a domed carapace, two with a figure on the underside surrounded by hieroglyphs, two inscribed with hieroglyphic signs. 15 grams total, 18-24 mm
Acquired in Europe before 1992. Private collection, UK. -
Egyptian Hardstone Headrest Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Carved miniature headrest with rectangular base. 1.14 grams, 12 mm
Ex Constable collection, 1990s. Ex Ancient & Oriental, UK. Ex P. Morris collection. Accompanied by an old photograph and a previous catalogue cutting.
The headrest, or weres amulet, was placed under the mummy's head to protect it from damage, and so ensure their rebirth. Most are made of haematite, though other materials, such as faience, were sometimes used. The headrest’s role is specified in Chapter 166 of the Book of the Dead. By the Late Period, they were attached to or inserted into the mummy wrappings. -
Egyptian Lapis Lazuli Scarab
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
Carved in the round with longitudinal piercing, ellipsoid base. 12.8 grams, 30 mm
Ex early 20th century collection.