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LOT 0004
Egyptian Pre-Dynastic Greywacke Palette
PREDYNASTIC PERIOD, NAQADA III, CIRCA 3300–2960 B.C.
5 1/4 in. (238 grams, 13.3 cm).
Circular in plan with smoothed faces, pierced through the edge.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Corpus of Prehistoric Pottery and Palettes, London, 1917, pl.LIII, 77, for two similar examples from the Predynastic cemetery at Tarkhan.
FootnotesPalettes were utilitarian objects used in the Predynastic Period to grind and mix mineral-based eye pigments (including ochre, malachite, and haematite). Greywacke cosmetic palettes were easily carved in various shapes and sizes, including zoomorphic representations and geometric forms. The symbolism of this circular palette may be connected to the sun disc, which featured prominently in ancient Egyptian culture.
The palette was so significant in Predynastic society that purely ceremonial versions, often impractically large for their original purpose, were produced for use in temple rituals. The most famous is the highly decorated Narmer Palette discovered at Hierakonpolis.
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LOT 0004
Egyptian Pre-Dynastic Greywacke Palette
Estimate £500 - 700€580 - 810 (for guidance only)$680 - 950 (for guidance only)
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Second Intermediate Period, 17th-16th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Finely carved scarab with naturalistically detailed legs and head, the underside decorated with a standing figure atop a neb hieroglyph facing a stylised crocodile. 4.06 grams, 21 mm
with Archeological Centre, 2015. Private collection, Europe.
Scarabs with this design have been discovered in the northern Delta of Egypt and Palestine. The influence of the crocodile god Sobek on the production of late middle Bronze Age settlers at Avaris in the Egyptian Delta likely contributed to the popularity of Egyptian-themed scarabs with crocodiles and standing figures found in Palestinian sites. -
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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, as here. -
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Francesco Cambó i Batlle was a notable figure in early 20th century Spain, best known for his role in politics as a leader of the Catalan nationalist movement and as a patron of the arts. He was a key benefactor of the Museo del Prado and left a significant legacy through his art collections. His deep connection to the cultural and artistic life of Spain makes items from his collection particularly valuable and historically significant.
