Egypto-Roman Seated Limestone Statuette of Bes

拍品描述

Ptolemaic-Roman Period, circa 332 B.C.-300 A.D. Modelled in the round in a crouching pose on a rectangular base; the beard modelled in hanks with curled ends, the eyes recessed to accept inserts, mouth gaping; animal head amulet on the chest suspended on a cord; socket to reverse; chipped. Cf. Walker, S., Higgs, P. (eds.), Cleopatra of Egypt from History to Myth, p. 99, no. 119, for a similarly modelled terracotta figure in the British Museum (EA 22378); Roeder, G., Die Denkmäler des Pelizaeus-Museums zu Hildesheim, Hildesheim 1921, p. 78, for a similar figure. 942 grams, 18.5 cm (7 1/4 in.). [A video of this lot is available to view on TimeLine Auctions Website] Bonhams, London, 4 July 1995, no.36. Private collection, New York, USA. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13294-255443. From the New Kingdom onwards, Bes became one of ancient Egypt's most popular apotropaic deities. Despite his somewhat fearsome appearance, Bes served as the patron and protector of pregnant women and children and was also believed to shield them from snakes. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.

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