Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0489

Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes and Cartouches of Thutmose III

LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.

1 1/2 in. (26.3 grams, 39 mm).

With segmented carapace, detailed legs and mouth, incuse image of Bes with plumed headdress to underside flanked by two cartouches, each bearing the throne name of Thutmose III (Men-kheper-Re); chipped.

Provenance

Ex London, UK, gentleman's collection, 1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Literature

Cf. Petrie, W.M.F., Scarabs and Cylinders with Names, London, 1917, pl. XXIX, no. 139, for a scarab design including a central Bes with a Thutmose III cartouche above.

Footnotes

The royal name is incorrectly written, containing two sun discs rather than one, suggesting it may be of Levantine manufacture. Thutmose III, a dynamic New Kingdom pharaoh celebrated centuries after his death, frequently appears on scarabs during the Late Period.
From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children, and was also believed to shield them from snakes. The combination of Thutmose III and Bes harnessed both royal and divine protection.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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.

LOT 0489

Large Egyptian Steatite Scarab with Bes and Cartouches of Thutmose III

Sold for (Inc. bp): £390

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Egyptian Steatite Scarab Group
    Egyptian Steatite Scarab Group
    Mainly Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £247

    The designs include: a line border enclosing a central nefer sign, flanked by two rearing cobras with sun discs above, and a neb sign below; a turquoise scarab with deeply incised body detailing; a line border enclosing a striding figure before a cobra(?) and a nefer sign, with a neb sign below; a standing figure with a long staff and a sun disc above, facing an indeterminate object; indeterminate symbols with a sun disc above; and a quadruped with a long tail and erect ears or horns (possibly a jackal or an ibex). 11.7 grams total, 10-20 mm



    Acquired on the European art market in the early 2000s. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Face Mask
    Egyptian Faience Mummy Bead Face Mask
    Ptolemaic Period, 332-30 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £234

    Restrung; a beadwork panel of annular and tubular glazed composition beads in blues, greens, black, cream and red-brown colours, depicting a mummy face mask with false beard. 40 grams, 14.5 cm



    Acquired 1990s. Ex Mariaud des Serres, Paris, France. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Large Egyptian Amethyst Heart Amulet
    Large Egyptian Amethyst Heart Amulet
    Late Period, 664-332 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £572

    Carved with a suspension loop and lateral spurs; loop chipped. 9.75 grams, 31 mm



    Ex early 20th century Home Counties, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list