Egypt, Late Period, XXVI Dynasty, 664 to 525 BCE. Finely cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, a bronze statue of Mnevis, the bull-headed god worshipped in Heliopolis. The sculpture is a 3/4 figure, and while lacking the right forearm/hand and legs, presents with a nice representative form that still manages to capture the god's striding pose, with what remains of one leg advanced, the left arm bent at the elbow and crossing the body, and the upper right arm extending out. Mnevis' bold visage is comprised of curved horns, ears below, a wig/headdress gracing his shoulders, and a prominent snout. He wears a kilt-like skirt, and the surface has developed a rich, dark brown patina over the ages. Size: 1.875" W x 3.25" H (4.8 cm x 8.3 cm); 5.7" H (14.5 cm) on included custom stand.
According to Plutarch, the Mnevis bull was second only to the Apis bull of Memphis in significance. Parallel to the Apis bull, worshippers believed that the Mnevis bull's movements were determined by divine will, and were utilized as an oracle. In addition, the priesthood of Mnevis claimed that Mnevis was the father of the Apis bull.
Provenance: E.B. Collection, Orion, Michigan, USA, acquired from Royal Athena in July 1987; ex-Christie's London, April 1987. On loan to Miami University Art Museum, Oxford, Ohio, USA; Ball State University Art Gallery; George Mason University; Fitchburg Art Museum, 1988 to 2016.
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#156863
Condition
Losses to both legs, left hand, right forearm and hand, and tips of both horns as shown. Minor pitting and abrasions to body, limbs, and head, with softening to some finer details. Nice earthen deposits and fantastic russet, green, and brown patina throughout. Mounted with modern brass rods through bottom of legs for display purposes.