**Originally Listed At $2500**
Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 26th Dynasty, ca. 590 to 530 BCE. An impressive siltstone statue of Osiris, the god of fertility, agriculture, and the afterlife, protected by the wings of his sister and lover, the goddess Isis. Standing in his traditional mummiform pose with a feathered atef-crown, Osiris wears a false beard while grasping a crook and flail in each hand which lie across his chest. Isis's plumed wings envelop his body, her arms resting beside each of his shoulders, supporting his image, as her feet are shown behind. Remains of a petite plaque can be seen in front of Osiris, which likely previously spelled out his name in hieroglyphs. During the 26th Dynasty, donors seeking favors presented votive statues of deities in temples. The artist's great skill is evident in the smooth, rounded forms and the level of detail carved into the hard stone. This statue was likely created as an offering to Isis. Size: 2.9" L x 1.4" W x 6.3" H (7.4 cm x 3.6 cm x 16 cm)
Isis is often associated with the funerary cults and the afterlife, as she was thought to guard the liver of a deceased person at the time of judgment. She is also known as a protector of children. In addition to being revered as the ideal mother and wife, Isis was revered as the patroness of magic and nature, a supporter of sinners, slaves, and artisans as well as a friend to rulers and the wealthy.
According to the University of Southern California West Semitic Research Project, "Isis, along with her husband and brother, Osiris, was most often associated with the funerary cult and the afterlife. Together with three other goddesses, she was thought to guard the internal organs of a deceased person at the time of judgment. Isis, Osiris, and Horus were especially worshipped at the city of Abydos, but reverence for all of them was widespread."
Cf. British Museum (EA1162), the Walters Art Museum (22.199), and the Israel Museum (97.63.60).
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Provenance: ex-private Orange, California, USA collection; ex-Phillip Mitry collection, noted dealer in Cairo, Egypt until about 1951 when he emigrated to the United States
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#176991
Condition
Missing upper body and right arm of Isis, as well as front right corner or plinth. Nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout. Nice remaining detail and earthen deposits in recessed areas.