ES1902
The well carved, idealized head with an oval face, almond-shaped eyes, upturned mouth and wide nose, the nemes-headcloth tucked behind the ears, long lappets over each shoulder.
There are two schools of thought regarding the purpose of these so-called "sculptor's models." Because they are small, usually represent deities or kings, and are often unfinished, it is plausible that they were demonstration pieces for a sculptor’s apprentice to copy. Alternatively, they could have been votive offerings deposited in temples.
For a similar example, see Nadja Samir Tomoum, The Sculptors’ Models of the Late and Ptolemaic Periods: A Study of the Type and Function of a Group of Ancient Egyptian Artefacts (Cairo, 2005), pl.24/c
Ref: E.R. Russmann, Eternal Egypt: Masterworks of Ancient Art from the British Museum, (London 2001), p. 250-1, no. 139.
C.C. Edgar, Sculptors’ Studies and Unfinished Works (Catalogue général des antiquités égyptiennes du Musée du Caire, nos. 33301-33506) (Cairo, 1906), esp. pls. VIII-XIV, nos 33340, 33342, 33346, 33355;
N.S. Tomoum, The Sculptors’ Models of the Late and Ptolemaic Periods. A Study of the Type and Function of a Group of Ancient Egyptian Artefacts (Cairo, 2005);
Eric Young, "Sculptors' Models or Votives? In Defense of a Scholarly Tradition", The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, vol. 22 (New York, 1964), p. 247-256.
Dimensions: Height: 4 3/4 inches (12 cm)
Condition: Some wear to the surface, with chipping to the face and losses to the edges.
Provenance: J.L. private collection, Texas, acquired in the mid-1990s from the NY trade.
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Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
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