Loading, please wait...
LOT 0422
Egyptian Terracotta Figurine of Baubo
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 2ND-1ST CENTURY B.C.
7 1/2 in. (642 grams, 19.2 cm).
Depicted wearing a long sleeveless vestis talaris with a V-opening, on the head a high propoloma falling on her shoulders, ears pierced to accept earrings, right arm raised and legs bent at knees.
ProvenanceThe Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacgt ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. similar statuette (with lowered hand) in Gutch, C., 'Excavations at Naukratis: D. The Terracottas. ' in The Annual of the British School at Athens, 5, pp.67-97, 1899, pl.XIII, fig.201.
FootnotesBaubo was a minor divinity in Greek mythology, linked to the cult of Demeter and Persephone. The statuette belongs to the second type of Baubo figurines, widespread in the last Ptolemaic and Roman period in Egypt. The Egyptian Baubos are split into two groups, and this one belongs to the first group depicting a woman seating frontally whilst holding a musical instrument or with the open hand in blessing gesture. Many of them were used as amulets or as ex-voto.
Christian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica, spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind.
TimeLine 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 Terracotta of a Concubine
Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, circa 1976-1793 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
D-shaped in section with tongue-shaped base, slender, long-limbed female figure modelled in the half-round with tightly curled, shoulder length hair, the chest and abdomen with linear and dotted decoration. 69 grams, 14.6 cm
From an old English deceased estate. Property of a London, UK, collector. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Egyptian Miniature Stone Alabastron
Late Old Kingdom, circa 2300 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
The body with rounded shoulders, convex outer face and pointed base, everted rim; accompanied by a custom-made display base. 34.2 grams, 48 mm high (48.9 grams, 55 mm including stand)
Acquired in Europe before 1994. European collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
.jpg)
Egyptian Wooden Cow Giving Birth Diorama with Two Figures
Middle Kingdom, 11th-12th Dynasty, 2023-1862 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
Comprising three figures to represent a calving scene: a standing cow or other quadruped giving birth to its young, its head, neck and forelegs emerging from the mother's rear, both with a black and white speckled coat; a standing male figure with articulated arms and pierced hands, wearing a kilt and cropped wig and with stylised facial detailing; a kneeling figure also with articulated arms, open-palm hands, wearing a kilt and cropped wig, stylised facial features; extensive remains of polychrome pigment. 113 grams total, 9.5-16 cm
From an early 20th century Home Counties collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11597-199209. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Such models would have been deposited in tombs; the purpose of such a scene was probably to evoke the season of spring, when calves were born, and the floodplain where farmers lived and raised their livestock.
