Description:

Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A sarcophagus mask carved from wood- likely cedar- and painted in gesso, with classic narrow and starkly outlined eyes under slender brows, and a slightly hooked or aquiline nose. The Ancient Egyptians believed it was of the utmost importance to preserve a body of the deceased, as the soul needed a place to reside after the death. Conservation of the body was done via mummification - a process involving the removal of internal organs that were placed in canopic jars, wrapping the body in linen, and then embalming. Death masks, such as this, were created so that the soul could recognize the body and return to it and, thus, were carved in the likeness of the deceased. Size: 9" L x 8.5" W (22.9 cm x 21.6 cm); 11" H (27.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-collection of an African-French diplomat, Bellmore, New York, USA acquired in the 1960s-1970s

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#176508

  • Condition: Stable hairline fissure across nose. Chips and surface abrasions to gesso layers and wood. Losses to wood on verso. Professionally mounted on a modern wood board. Overall great condition.

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January 29, 2023 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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