Lot 2
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, ca. 712 to 300 BCE. An evocative sarcophagus mask with a red and black striped headdress, bronze eyebrow and eyelid inlays (oxidized to blue-green hues), large stone eye inlays, heart-shaped lips in an enigmatic smile, a straight nose, and elegant contours, all on a face painted with a thick brownish-green glaze that probably contains traces of copper to give it that color. Masterfully made from plaster layered with gesso over woven textile, and impressively detailed with paint and inlays. Size: 6.5" W x 10.5" H (16.5 cm x 26.7 cm); 15.8" H (40.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Ancient Egyptians believed it was of the utmost importance to preserve a body of the deceased, because the soul needed a place to reside after the death. Preservation of the body was done via mummification - a process involving the removal of internal organs that were placed in canopic jars, wrapping body in linen, and then embalming. Death masks like this example were created so that the soul could recognize the body and return to it. For this reason, death masks were made in the likeness of the deceased. Artisans used different materials. Earlier masks were carved from wood, while later ones were made of cartonnage, a material made from papyrus or linen and soaked in plaster which was then applied to a wooden mold, was used. Royal death masks, perhaps the most famous being that of Tutankhamen, were made from precious metals. All death masks were intended to resemble the deceased subject; however, eyes were always slightly enlarged and lips presented in a subtle smile, as we see in this example.
Provenance: private Davis Collection, Houston, Texas, USA
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#132844
- Condition: Losses at neck and on top of the head, as shown. Craquelure of the glaze on the face, with a small loss low on one cheek. Eye components have nice patina and are all present. Pigment has some discoloration from age.
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