Framed Egyptian Faience Eye of Horus Amulet

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.

Modelled in the round kneeling on an integral base and wearing a broad rounded wig, holding a fragmentary offering basin before him; dorsal pillar engraved with a single vertical column of hieroglyphs, translating: 'The Count, Overseer of the Entrance to the Hill Countries, Chief Supervisor of the Shrines [of Neith], Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy'; upper rim of the basin further inscribed with a ritual formula intended to be recited during the presentation of its contents. 107.7 kg total, figure: 40 cm high, fragments: 47-58 cm wide including stand



For the two basalt sections: UK private collection, formed 1970s-1990s. Princely collection, until 2014; thence to a private foundation. Acquired by the current owner from Rupert Wace, London, UK. For the kneeling basalt figure: European private collection, since the mid-19th century. Sold at Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.114. Sold at Drouot-Richelieu, Paris (Boisgirard), 14 February 2005, no.313. European private collection, acquired at the above sale; thence by descent to the previous owners. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13193-250115.

The figure on this vessel represents the customs official Wahibre, son of Paeftchawy, a well-attested individual known from at least fourteen other sculptures. Additional evidence for Wahibre’s identity is provided by a fragment of his mummiform sarcophagus, found at el-Hagar, within the territory of his native city of Sais. The titles inscribed on his surviving monuments reflect a career that combined priestly responsibilities with significant administrative and military authority. In southern Egypt, Wahibre served as chief customs officer and commanded a contingent of foreign troops tasked with protecting the frontier, probably Greek mercenaries from Caria.

Formed as a rearing cobra with the hood divided into cells to accept inlay. 6.54 grams, 35 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

The uraeus depicts a rearing cobra and symbolises royal power and authority, as well as the Lower Egyptian goddess Wadjet.