Description:

Egypt, Romano-Egyptian period, ca. 2nd century CE. A solid, mold-made terracotta votive figure representing the god Bes squatting with his large erect member pointing off to one side and a smaller, partially nude female figure standing beside him. Remains of red and white pigment are still clear on the figure, especially on the upper body of the woman. Bes watched over the household, particularly the women and children of the house, protecting them with the magical sign sa. As a fertility symbol, later depictions of him like this one are often erotic. Erotic votive figures of Bes have been found associated with ritual bathing places in temples, which may have been associated with childbirth, or with ritualized sexual encounters, similar to shrines to the cult of Dionysus. Size: 4" W x 4.625" H (10.2 cm x 11.7 cm); 5.75" H (14.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Owen collection, New Jersey, USA, acquired in the 1990s from a US-based dealer; Christies 1980 and other old tags on bottom

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.

#128989

  • Condition: Small loss to top of woman's head. Otherwise in nice condition, with form still clear and some remaining pigment.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

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

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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000