Lot 9
**First Time At Auction**
Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period or later, ca. 1000 to 332 BCE. A pale yellow block of sandstone carved in the form of a woman's head, with the portrait dominated by her straight, flowing hair (probably a wig) and large eyes. She has a headband of some kind - possibly the Seshed, the diadem with a Uraeus attached - however its central area has been lost and it cannot be identified. Her face is carved with realism and sensitivity, more so than is sometimes seen in the rigid classic Egyptian style. Size: 4.05" L x 5.5" W x 4.8" H (10.3 cm x 14 cm x 12.2 cm)
This statue probably does represent a real woman, but is an idealized form rather than one made true to life. Only noble women were depicted in three-dimensional sculpture in ancient Egypt; the fact that she is shown wearing a wig is another sign of her elite status, as poor women could not afford elaborate wigs like the one she wears. This statue was commissioned for a tomb and represented a woman related to the tomb's owner - a wife, mother, sister, daughter, etc. If placed next to a man, her statue would have been smaller than his. Her stylized beauty only hints at the life of a real woman now long gone.
Provenance: Ex-Hagar Collection, St. Louis, MO
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.
#120015
- Condition: Lower section polished in modern times, losses to very top of head, headdress, and face, discoloration and chips to verso.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |