Loading, please wait...
LOT 0409
Romano-Egyptian Terracotta Figurine of Baubo
PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 2ND-1ST CENTURY B.C.
5 1/8 in. (213 grams, 13 cm).
Modelled as a seated plump fertility figure; the right hand touching the pubic area beneath the rounded abdomen, a garland upon her propoloma and thick braids falling on her shoulders, smooth back with a vent hole. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceThe Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacgt ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Cf. Nagwa Abdelnaby, A.I., ‘Two unpublished Figurines of Women Purifying themselves in the Greco-Roman Museum of Alexandria’ in Bulletin of the Center Payrological, 38 (1), November 2021, pp.645-664, figs.3, lett. A and D.
FootnotesBaubo was a minor divinity of the Greek mythology, linked to the cult of Demeter and Persephone. The statuette belongs to the second type of Baubo figurines, widespread in the last Ptolemaic and Roman period in Egypt. The Egyptian Baubo are split into two groups, and this one belongs to the first group depicting a woman seating frontally whilst holding a musical instrument. In some of these figurines her right hand is touching her genitalia. Many of them were used as amulets or as ex-voto.
Christian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica, spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind.
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 0409
Romano-Egyptian Terracotta Figurine of Baubo
Sold for (Inc. bp): £221
-
Egyptian Terracotta Ithyphallic Figurine of a Seated Male
Ptolemaic Period, 2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
Representing a hunchback in a crouched position, leaning against his emphasised phallus and resting a triangular harp on it. 64 grams, 63 mm
The Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacgt ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
From the 4th century B.C. onwards, small-scale sculptures developed into a rich repertoire of grotesque types. These so-called grotesques were an enhancement of the Hellenistic interest in the human body and its weakness and imperfections by depicting disfigured individuals. According to some scholars, terracotta (and bronze) figurines of this kind were life-like representations of beggars and others who gathered at big feasts in temples or at the houses of the wealthy. In the latter case, they indicated the importance and wealth of the host as the more beggars an event attracted, the greater the fortune of the event organiser. By implication, the bronze and terracotta portraits of these marginal people could have become symbols and charms of good luck that would have been placed in private houses. Christian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica, spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind. -
Egyptian Faience Amulet of a Vervet Monkey
Late-Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Turquoise-blue faience amulet of a vervet monkey standing with its long arms extended to the hips, supported on an integral base by its tail; suspension loop at the back. 1.52 grams, 27 mm
From a private collection acquired by the previous owner's father in the 1950s. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Amulets featuring the vervet monkey were believed to serve as magical sexual aids for the living and the dead, ensuring these benefits in life and the afterlife. -
Romano-Egyptian Limestone Figure of a Seated Male with Gigantic Phallus
1st century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £72
Modelled in the round seated figure with phallus slung over his shoulders; mounted on a custom-made stand. 207 grams, 10.1 cm (235 grams total, 12.8 cm including stand)
The Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacgt ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Christian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica, spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind.
