Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Lion and Stag

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.

Modelled in the round as the ibis-headed human figure of Thoth, with a plain dorsal pillar, pierced at the top for suspension. 8.71 grams, 48.29 mm



Ex early 20th century London, UK, collection.

The ibis-headed form of Thoth is particularly significant in funerary contexts, as this depiction of the god frequently appears in Weighing of the Heart scenes, where the dead are judged before a divine tribunal for entry into the Hereafter. Thoth's role was to record the final judgement, which determined whether the deceased had led a virtuous life.

Modelled in the round, shown nude, seated with his left arm by his side and his right forefinger on his chin, wearing a sidelock of youth, nemes headdress surmounted by an elaborate hem-hem crown; mounted on a custom-made stand with dealer's label to underside. 480 grams total, 19.8 cm including stand



Ex Fitzthum collection, Vermont, New England. Acquired New York, USA, 2000. Acquired from Royal Athena Galleries, New York, USA, 20 March 2008. Ex Keane collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the original Royal Athena Galleries invoice no.11164. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13272-252852.

Harpocrates is the Greek equivalent of the Egyptian name Hor-pa-khered, which means ‘Horus the Child’. This name refers to Horus as the divine infant of Isis and Osiris. Wearing an amulet of Harpocrates was believed to provide the same protection that Isis granted to her beloved son. Larger bronze statuettes were probably votive offerings to Harpocrates, intended to secure his favour and protection.