Description:

Egypt, Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic period, ca. 664 to 30 BCE. A remarkably rare and quite charming leaded bronze statuette of a crouching child god - possibly Harpocrates - holding a crook or scepter and wearing the pschent crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The child god is distinguished from adult gods by his nudity and a thick sidelock of youth on his right side that is now missing. Child gods in this position are often seated on lotus buds, a flower whose imagery resonates with the associations of rebirth and regeneration attributed to child gods. From the Third Intermediate Period onwards, child gods grew in popularity and cult rivaling even the most powerful and ancient gods, especially as temple offerings. Though Horus the Child or Harpocrates - son of Isis and Osiris - is the best known, many others existed, such as Khonsu the Child, Ihy, Edfu, and Harsiese. The double crown and scepter indicate this is likely Harpocrates or Horus the Child as Horus was the god of kingship. Size: 0.7" W x 1.8" H (1.8 cm x 4.6 cm); 3.3" H (8.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 10.130.1298.

Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA; ex-Philip Mitry collection, noted antiquarian in Egypt, prior to 1951

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#180920

  • Condition: Permanently adhered to custom stand. Missing side lock and part of crook / scepter. Minor chipping to top tip of crown, as well as expected weathering and abrasions to surface. Otherwise, excellent with liberal remaining detail. Rich patina throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

September 1, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000