An Egyptian Limestone Relief fragment with Wedjet Eye and Anubis, New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1540 - 1292 BCE

A finely carved limestone relief fragment originally forming the left portion of a door lintel, identifiable by the projecting lip along the upper edge. Executed in crisp sunken relief, the composition is read left to right and centers on protective funerary imagery associated with the necropolis.

At the right appears the sacred Wedjat eye (Eye of Horus), an enduring symbol of healing, restoration, and divine protection. Its placement on architectural elements such as lintels reflects its apotropaic function, safeguarding the threshold between worlds.

Beside the eye is Anubis, shown as a recumbent jackal wearing his ceremonial collar. Above is his name, Inpw, inscribed in hieroglyphs, followed by a phrase corresponding to one of his epithets commonly translated as “upon his mountain.” This title refers to Anubis’ role as guardian of the necropolis, watching over tombs and guiding the deceased through the funerary process. Alongside Osiris, Anubis was among the principal recipients of prayers for protection and safe passage in the afterlife.

The refined carving, balanced composition, and clear hieroglyphic detail are characteristic of New Kingdom architectural reliefs produced for tomb or chapel contexts, where protective iconography was integrated directly into structural elements.

Published: Sotheby’s London, July 1989, lot 363

Medium: Limestone

Dimensions: Height 5 5/8 in. (14.7 cm); Width 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm); Depth 2 in. (5 cm)

Condition: Fragmentary from a larger lintel as described, but intact and in very good condition overall with very well-preserved hieroglyphic detail.   Professionally mounted on a museum-quality custom steel base.  A lovely example.

Provenance: Brudy private collection; acquired Sotheby’s London, July 1989, lot 363; thereafter private Boston collection, acquired from the trade in 1999. Accompanied by related documentation.