Description:

Romano Egyptian, Egypt, most likely Alexandria, ca. 1st century BCE - 1st century CE. Hollow molded terracotta figurine representing Harpocrates, the god of silence. Originally adapted by the Greeks from the Egyptian child god Horus, Harpocrates emerged in late Greek mythology in Ptolemaic, Alexandria. Under Alexander the Great, the Greeks conquered Egypt and inspired by the Egyptian Horus created the Hellenistic god Harpocrates. As we see in this example, Harpocrates is traditionally represented by the Egyptians as a naked boy - referencing the child Horus and symbolizing the newborn sun each day - with his fingertip on his chin pointing upward just beneath his lips - oftentimes interpreted as a gesture of silence. This piece was likely intended as an offering, suitable for a house shrine. Examples such as this have been found scattered throughout the Roman Empire. 8.75"H (22.23 H cm) Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago IL, acquired prior to 1970. 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.

  • Condition: Surface wear as shown, loss to base/feet, tiny loss to right knee and a few nicks here and there. Else intact and fair condition.

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December 5, 2014 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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