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LOT 0034
Egyptian Bronze Statue of the God Osiris
LATE PERIOD, 664-525 B.C.
5 1/2 in. (136 grams, 14 cm).
Modelled in the round wearing the Atef crown with a uraeus to the brow, arms crossed on the chest holding the nekhakha (flail) and heka (crook); trapezoidal base with long tenon beneath.
ProvenanceAcquired on the German art market, 1989-1995.
with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003.
Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.
Cf. Tinius, I., Altägypten in Braunschweig. Die Sammlungen des Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museums und des Städtischen Museums, Wiesbaden, 2011, p.104, no. 152, for similar.
FootnotesOsiris is a deity who represents death and fertility and is commonly regarded as the quintessential god of rebirth. Though he was once a mortal ruler, as a deceased entity, his domain was the Underworld. Abydos was the primary centre of Osiris’ cult, where a renowned yearly celebration of the god was held. Many small figurines like this were dedicated to the god at temples throughout Egypt.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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
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Egyptian Painted Wooden Model of a Cow Giving Birth, Together with Two Figures
Middle Kingdom, 11th-12th Dynasty, 2023-1862 B.C.Estimate: £3,500 - 4,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,750
Composed of three figures: a standing cow or other quadruped giving birth to its young, its head, neck and forelegs emerging from the mother's rear, both with a black and white speckled coat; a standing male figure with articulated arms and pierced hands, wearing a kilt and cropped wig and with stylised facial detailing; a kneeling figure also with articulated arms, open-palm hands, wearing a kilt and cropped wig, stylised facial features; extensive remains of polychrome pigment. 111 grams total, 9.5-16 cm
From an early 20th century Home Counties collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11597-199209.
Such models would have been deposited in tombs; the purpose of such a scene was probably to evoke the season of spring, when calves were born, and the floodplain where farmers lived and raised their livestock. -
Egyptian Decorated Wooden Comb
Coptic, 3rd-7th century A.D.Estimate: £600 - 800 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £300
Rectangular in plan with fine-cut teeth to one short edge and coarse-cut to the other; obverse with regular pattern of ring-and-dot motifs, zigzag borders; mounted on a custom-made stand. 111 grams total, 20.4 cm including stand
Ex J.P. collection, 1960s. Private collection London, UK, 1980s. From the private collection of J.L., Surrey, UK, 2000s. -
Large Egyptian Faience Amulet of Isis Nursing Baby Horus
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Amulet of Isis seated on an elaborate throne decorated with a crosshatch pattern, holding the infant Horus to her breast, supporting his head with her left hand; wearing a long close-fitting sheath dress and striated tripartite wig, surmounted by a crown in the form of her hieroglyphic name-sign, the "throne"; Horus wearing the sidelock of youth and holding his finger to his mouth; horizontal piercing just above the throne at the back for suspension. 20.16 grams, 65 mm
Ex Foxwell collection. Acquired from a London gallery. Ex Mr A.S. collection, 1990s.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the sister-wife of Osiris and the mother of the sky god Horus. She is associated with aspects of fertility and motherhood and is often depicted in various artworks seated in a nursing pose with her son Horus on her lap.