Egyptian Steatite and Faience Scarab Group

Barrel-shaped in profile with tapering neck and trumpet-shaped foot, two lateral pierced lug handles, flared rim (damaged). 330 grams, 86 mm



French private collection. From the 'Yvelines Department', Northern France. with Mme Digard, Drouot, Paris, 7 February 2011, no.107. Accompanied by a copy of a French cultural passport. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12072-218133.

Circular in plan with smoothed faces, pierced through the edge. 238 grams, 13.3 cm



Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.

Palettes 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.

Trapezoidal fragment bearing a low-relief depiction of a Ptolemaic king shown in profile, with characteristic plump cheeks, slightly upturned mouth, and internally detailed ear, wearing a long false beard, the Red or Dual Crown of Egypt with uraeus to the front, and a broad collar; the lower part of a cartouche to the right. 405 grams, 11 cm



Léon Rodrigues-Ely (1924–1973), Marseille, France. with Christie's, Paris, 6 May 2015, no.93. Private collection, Europe. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00104585. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12369-226941.

Léon Rodrigues-Ely (1924–1973) was a prominent French collector based in Marseille, known for his keen interest in fine art and antiquities. Throughout his life, Rodrigues-Ely assembled an eclectic and esteemed collection, particularly focusing on European and Mediterranean artifacts. His passion for collecting was fuelled by a deep appreciation for history and culture, and he was well-regarded among art dealers and scholars alike. Many of the pieces in his collection were acquired from significant galleries and private collections across Europe, reflecting his dedication to preserving cultural heritage. Rodrigues-Ely’s collection continued to be highly sought after following his death, with several pieces passing through prestigious auction houses, cementing his legacy in the art world.