Loading, please wait...
LOT 0468
Egyptian Hardstone Scarab with Bes
LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.
1 1/4 in. (10.7 grams, 31 mm).
Plano-convex in section with detailed obverse, the underside with the figure of Bes flanked by adoring baboons and sun disks.
ProvenanceEx London, UK collection, 1990s.
LiteratureCf. Matouk, F.S., Corpus du scarabée égyptien. Vol. 2: Analyse thématique, Beirut, 1976, p.345, no.584, for the baboon and Bes motif.
FootnotesBes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities from the New Kingdom onwards. Despite his somewhat fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and believed to protect the wearer from snakes. The depiction of baboons flanking Bes with their arms raised before the sun disk was a common feature on temple wall reliefs. In ancient Egyptian religious literature, baboons heralded the dawn and, thus, the rebirth of the sun.
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
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.
-
Egyptian Diorite Wedjat Eye Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
With transverse piercing for suspension. 7.55 grams, 30 mm
From the old Belfort collection, expert Jean Roudillon. Ex Hotel des Ventes de Belfort. Property of a French collector.
The wedjat-eye amulet represents the healed eye of the god Horus, featuring both human and falcon elements. The name wedjat in ancient Egyptian means ‘the one that is sound.’ According to Egyptian mythology, Horus' eye was wounded or taken by the god Seth and restored by Thoth. The wedjat-eye amulet was thought to protect its wearer and bestow the power of recovery and regeneration onto them. As such, it was used by both the living and the dead. -
Egyptian Faience Phallic Figural Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Figurine of a naked male seated on a rectangular base, his phallus extended forward on which the harp he is playing rests; sold with a later white-glazed heart with blue finial, possibly after the antique. 24.5 grams total, 18-44 mm
From the collection of Doctor Girard, a collector for over 60 years. with Hotel des Ventes de Clermont-Ferrand, 22 May 2017. Property of a French collector. -
Egyptian Bronze Sekhmet Statuette
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Standing figure of Sekhmet with arms held at her sides, wearing a wig and tight-fitting robe; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 30 grams total, 73 mm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Sekhmet was a ferocious and aggressive deity, the consort of Ptah, and closely associated with the king. An amulet would imbue its wearer with her power.
