Description:

Egypt, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca 1450 BCE. A large and very fine painted gesso and wooden mask, undoubtedly of a nobleman. Carved of cedar with realistic features with long curved nose, pursed lips and long false beard. Eyes are comprised of bronze brows and sockets with stone eyeballs in white and black stone. Small wooden dowels held this in place on the remainder of the wooden coffin. Size: 4.75" L x 7" W x 19.3" H (12.1 cm x 17.8 cm x 49 cm); 19.8" H (50.3 cm) on included custom stand.

What did the false beard symbolize in ancient Egypt? In real life, Egyptian men were usually clean-shaven; however, pharaohs (whether male or female) wore false, plaited beards that resembled large braids. Although scholars have not figured out why they did this, some have suggested that the false beards linked the pharaohs to the gods.

Provenance: private West Hollywood, California, USA collection; ex-private Santa Monica, California, USA collection, acquired in New York before 2000

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.

#179184

  • Condition: One eye reattached inside orbital. Missing section of proper right forehead, wear to pigment as shown, minor loss on left upper section. Nice pink/white pigment remains on much of the surface.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

June 29, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 26.5% 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000