Description:

Ancient Egypt, Ptolemaic Period, ca. 305 to 30 BCE. A fascinating limestone sculpture of a diminutive male figure with his arms and legs wrapped around his towering phallus. This type of figure is sometimes known as an eroticon, and probably represents the god Bes or possibly Harpocrates, both of whom were exalted for their fecundity. For example, some Egyptian priests led processions containing large phalluses to honor these gods, including one described by Herodotus as having a cubit-high doll whose penis was controlled by strings. Figures like this one - academically described as having "a pronounced erotic aspect" - have been found at a variety of temples, baths, and sanctuaries. Size: 3.2" W x 1.15" H (8.1 cm x 2.9 cm); 3.4" H (8.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex Ghassan Haddad collection, London, UK, acquired at Christie’s, New York, USA, June 2004 (Lot 118)

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#133122

  • Condition: Tip of phallus is lost. Small chips from surface commensurate with age. Form is still clear.

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April 26, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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