Lot 26
Egypt, Ptolemaic to Roman period, ca. 3rd century BCE to 2nd century CE. This bronze statue depicts the revered deity Osiris, god of the underworld, standing in mummiform with fused legs atop an integral, tiered plinth. He features a postiche beard and holds his signature heka scepter and flagellum (nekhakh) in crossed arms over his chest. Atop his brow rests an Atef crown, combining the ostrich feathers of the cult of Osiris with the Hedjet, the symbol of Upper Egypt, and a sacred uraeus cobra projecting from the front. The statue is mounted in modern times on a custom marble stand, with the underside of the base bearing an older typewritten paper label attributing the find to archaeologist Sir Charles Leonard Woolley (18801960). Please refer to the extended description below for further details. Size: 1.3" W x 5.75" H (3.3 cm x 14.6 cm); 7.3" H (18.5 cm) on included custom stand.
The paper label reads: "Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris - 1200 B.C. Found by one Leonard Woolley, Esq. in 1892. Purchased in 1894 by Sir Cuthbert De Horton, Horton Towers. A standing figure of Osiris, one of the principal deities in the religion of ancient Egypt. Osiris who represented the male productive force in nature, became identified with the setting sun. Hence, he was regarded as the ruler of the realm of the dead in the mysterious region below the western horizon. Antiquities, 21 Barrett Street, London, W.1." The address once housed Oriental Antiquities Ltd. Sir Charles Leonard Woolley (18801960) was a prominent British archaeologist. From 1907 to 1911, he participated in an expedition to Nubia. During World War I, he served in British Naval Intelligence, working on naval espionage in Egypt. After the war, he resumed his archaeological work in Egypt, and during World War II, he joined the "Monuments Men," part of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives Section (MFAA). It is presumed that "Sir Cuthbert de Horton" refers to Sir Cuthbert De Hoghton (1880-1958), the 12th Baronet of Hoghton, who inherited the title in 1893 and managed the historic Hoghton Tower estate in Lancashire, England.
Provenance: private Altadena, California, USA collection, purchased in London, UK, July 20 1979; ex- Sir Cuthbert de Hoghton collection, Hoghton Towers, purportedly acquired in 1894, and purportedly excavated by Sir Charles Leonard Woolley in 1892.
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.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#190665
- Condition: Choice. Some patina and mineral encrustations. Surface pitting and softening to details otherwise excellent. Comes with modern marble stand.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |