Egyptian Faience Scarab of Amenhotep III

Of slender form, shown striding and wearing a kilt with a central tab, and a rounded wig covering the ears, composed of echeloned rectangular curls; the face with a broad mouth with finely outlined lips, rounded at the corners; the front of the kilt and portion of the advancing left leg preserved; the arms and the lower right leg missing, having been carved separately; with traces of polychrome. 1.46 kg total, 55.7 cm high including stand



Joseph Altounian (1889-1954) and Henriette Lorbet, Altounian-Lorbet Gallery, Mâcon, France. Believed acquired at Sotheby’s, London: The MacGregor Collection of Egyptian Antiquities, 26 June–3 July 1922. Acquired by the previous owner from Henriette Lorbet, January 4th, 1967. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13232-250113.

The statue stands as another admirable example of wooden sculpture from the early dynasties. Its highly realistic face depicts a young man, mirrored by the slender body, with a sober and elegant design. The statue was undoubtedly originally coated in stucco and colour. The striking figure, slightly asymmetrical, along with the serious mouth and haughty expression, gives this portrait a remarkably lively appearance.

Rectangular frieze fragment with advancing figure in profile wearing a shendyt kilt holding up two poles in his raised hands; to his rear, part of a second figure with an openwork wooden frame (footstool) and other items; mounted in sturdy wooden frame with suspension rings to the reverse; surface has been extensively cleaned, restored, and repainted. 6.8 kg, 40.5 x 32.2 cm



Mounted in an early 20th-century wooden frame bearing a stamped inscription reading “Exposition Paris …” From the collection of L.V. (1950-1960), Paris, France. Collection of Monsieur X. (1931-2017), dispersed for the benefit of the Monaco Red Cross. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13224-249307.

The servant is carrying geese, like in many other representations of the New Kingdom. Many portrayals of ducks and geese in ancient Egyptian art show the importance of the birds as food. Servants plucking geese are visible in the tomb of Nakht, in Luxor (1567-1320 B.C.), and in the famous tomb of Nebamun, at the British Museum, a fresco fragment shows workers standing in front of a gaggle of geese.

Modelled as a domed face of Hathor with small cow-ears and a wig with coiled lappet ends, and an advancing cow on the underside. 10.18 grams, 32 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.