Romano-Egyptian Limestone 'Floral' Inlay Group

Restrung on two parallel strands using mainly annular and tubular beads, enhanced with two pairs of small wedjat eye pendants, one pair with applied black detailing and the other pair with moulded low-relief detailing; with a central, large wedjat eye pendant with low-relief detailing. 14.1 grams, 44 cm



From the vendor's grandfather's collection, formed in the 1950s; thence by family descent circa 1974.

Depicted nude in a dynamic pose with his legs apart and the weight of the body upon his right leg, standing in front of a two storey structure, probably an oven; his left arm raised and right arm extended in front of his torso and resting on the edge of the structure; the oven painted pink at the top and white at the bottom with an offering receptacle at floor level. 232 grams, 15 cm



Ex Dr Daniel Marie Fouquet (1859-1914), Cairo. with Pierre Berge & Associes, Auction, Archaeology 29 November 2014, no.193. Accompanied by a French cultural export permit, no.161028. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant pages in: Perdrizet, P., Les Terres Cuites Grecques d'Egypt de la Collection Fouquet, Nancy, 1921, where it is published. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12000-211884.

The image of the ‘Eros Baker’ is part of a wide production of Roman terracotta imitating Greek models, although in somewhat crude way. In the Roman age, designs tended to be commonplace and were often indifferent copies of Greek originals. However, the production of terracotta in Hellenistic Egypt continued without interruption and the most subjects of these votive statuettes (in this case probably a baker invoking the blessing of the god upon his activity) were religious, Eros being one of the favourites.

Comprising a large blue amulet of facing Bes with yellow highlighting, the grimacing god wearing a plumed headdress and depicted nude; set in a later gold casing with a plume-shaped red jasper insert, an articulated pin attachment on the reverse. 13.7 grams, 51.6 mm



Ex AH collection, London, UK, 1980s. Accompanied by a previous cataloguing slip.

Despite his rather fearful appearance, Bes was the patron and protector of pregnant women and children. He was also believed to provide protection from snakes.