Lot 866
Impressive Museum Quality Gilt Bronze Statuette of Osiris. Egypt, Late Period, c. 664-332 BC. The bearded god in mummiform pose, standing in form fitting robe, and holding a crook and flail in his crossed hands, wearing a plumed Atef-crown fronted by an Uraeus for upper and lower Egypt, a braided false beard curves out at the chin. The figure finely proportioned, with precise detailing, and an exquisitely modeled face. Well preserved, with fine dark brown patina, preserving some traces of gold gilding. Old, well-hidden repair above ankles; also old painted collection or museum number on back. Height: 10-7/8", on custom base. Of good size, splendid and important! This is the finest bronze sculpture we have handled of this type -- absolutely perfect in every detail.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000.
Morven Collection (John Werner Kluge), and Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, 1983; from Mansour Gallery, London, previously. Cf. for similar type at the Louvre in Paris (N3506) from the Clot-Bey Collection, acquired in 1852: "La crypte de l'Osiris".
Religion in ancient Egypt was an important part of everyday life. Priests daily attended to the needs of the gods (who were thought to be present in their cult images), and thus were instrumental in keeping order and normalcy in the world, not only of the present, but with an ever vigilant eye to the world of the hereafter also. Viewed from the outside, the ancient Egyptians were inordinately focused, if not obsessed, on the blessings to be enjoyed in the afterlife. As such, the deity in charge of the Underworld would of course rank among the most worthy of worship. And so, throughout the height of Egyptian civilization, Osiris was one of the primary deities. In power, he was second only his father, Ra, who was the leader of the gods on earth.
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| Realized $49,450 |
