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.

Provenance

Bonhams, 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.

Literature

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.

Footnotes

From 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.

CONDITION

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Ex Bonhams, London, 1995

LOT 0020