Description:

Egypt, probably late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, ca. 1539 to 100 BCE. This is a polychrome carved alabaster (travertine) fish in the form of the Nile tilapia, with the distinctive gills and lower fins of that species. Remains of red pigment are very clear on the bottom and the details of the body are very naturalistic. That naturalism is what is leading me to the later date for this fish. It looks quite similar to a tile from the Palace of Ramesses II, called "Fish in a Canal" and held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art; that tile dates to 1279 to 1213 BCE. Fish were an important motif in ancient Egypt, and we even have evidence of mummified fish (you can see one in the Louvre!). This is an interesting piece, which demonstrates the skill of Egyptian artisans. Size: 5" L x 1.75" W (12.7 cm x 4.4 cm)

Provenance: Ex-David Dami Collection, Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA; ex-Sotheby's, December 7, 2005 auction.

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#113429

  • Condition: The tail has broken off, as well as the top fin, revealing the alabaster underneath. ; the colors are faded but still visible.

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June 2, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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