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LOT 0020
Egypto-Roman Seated Limestone Statuette of Bes
PTOLEMAIC-ROMAN PERIOD, CIRCA 332 B.C.-300 A.D.
7 1/4 in. (942 grams, 18.5 cm).
Modelled in the round in a crouching pose on a rectangular base; the beard modelled in hanks with curled ends, the eyes recessed to accept inserts, mouth gaping; animal head amulet on the chest suspended on a cord; socket to reverse; chipped.
ProvenanceBonhams, London, 4 July 1995, no.36.
Private collection, New York, USA.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13294-255443.
Cf. Walker, S., Higgs, P. (eds.), Cleopatra of Egypt from History to Myth, p. 99, no. 119, for a similarly modelled terracotta figure in the British Museum (EA 22378); Roeder, G., Die Denkmäler des Pelizaeus-Museums zu Hildesheim, Hildesheim 1921, p. 78, for a similar figure.
FootnotesFrom the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was also believed to shield them from snakes.
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:
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LOT 0020
Egypto-Roman Seated Limestone Statuette of Bes
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Egyptian Steatite Scarab Collection
Hyksos Period and New Kingdom, 18th-13th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
Each with a domed carapace, two with a figure on the underside surrounded by hieroglyphs, two inscribed with hieroglyphic signs. 15 grams total, 18-24 mm
Acquired in Europe before 1992. Ex private collection, UK.
The term ‘Hyksos’ comes from the Egyptian phrase ‘heka khasuwt’, which means ‘rulers of foreign (hill) lands’. The 15th Dynasty was governed by these Hyksos during the Second Intermediate Period. They were not of Egyptian origin but were believed to be Canaanites, and their names were carved on their scarabs. -
Large Egyptian Faience Heart Amulet
Late Period, 664-332 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Modelled in the round with a piriform body and two lateral projections with striations. 7.66 grams, 30 mm
Ex N. Thomas private collection, UK, 1980s-1990s. Accompanied by a previous dealer's sales ticket. -
Egyptian Steatite Scarab
Middle Kingdom-Second Intermediate Period, circa 1900-1560 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £182
Plano-convex in section with segmented carapace and mouth parts; to the underside, the 'Sema-Tawy' central motif and two flanking ankh glyphs. 5.2 grams, 22 mm
From the collection of David Donlan (1947-2025), a dedicated and lifelong collector with a passion for the ancient world and the natural sciences, forming his collection from the 1960s onwards, using many reputable dealers across the United Kingdom, including the well-regarded Coincraft and The Parthenon Gallery.
The 'sema- tawy' is a powerful symbol representing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. It traditionally consists of a windpipe entwined with lotus and papyrus plants. The ankh signs are the Egyptian hieroglyphs for 'life'.
