A good Egyptian Bronze Figure of Osiris, Late Period, ca. 664 - 332 BCE

This exceptional bronze statue depicts the god Osiris in his characteristic mummiform pose, symbolizing his dominion over death, the afterlife, and resurrection. Standing with arms crossed over his chest, his hands emerge from beneath his robes holding the iconic crook and flail, symbols of divine kingship and fertility. These attributes reinforce Osiris’s role as both a ruler of the underworld and a god of resurrection, overseeing the balance between life, death, and renewal.

Osiris wears the atef crown, which features the white crown of Upper Egypt flanked by two ostrich feathers. This crown symbolizes sovereignty, balance, and divine protection. The uraeus, or cobra serpent, at the front and sides of the crown highlights his protective power and authority, signifying his ruling presence over both the living and the dead.

The statue’s braided divine beard signifies Osiris's immortality, as it is a common feature among gods in Egyptian art, marking him as a divine being above mortal rulers. His deep-set eyes, originally inlaid with precious stones, provide the figure with a lifelike quality, a reminder of his once-living reign as a king before his death and resurrection, making him a figure that bridges both realms of existence.

Osiris’s narrative is deeply intertwined with that of his wife and sister, Isis, one of the most celebrated deities in Egyptian mythology. After Osiris was murdered by his brother Set, it was Isis who used her wings to search for and recover his body, ultimately reassembling him. Their partnership and mutual reign further solidify Osiris’s connection to resurrection, life, and cosmic balance.

Medium:  Bronze

Dimensions:  Height: 6 5/8 inch (16.82 cm).  Height with base: 7 1/2 inches (19 cm)

Condition: The statue is intact and in very good condition overall, and features with a rich, green-brown patina.

Provenance:  Private NYC collection, acquired from Frishman Galleries, Tel Aviv, in the 1970s and then by descent.