Romano-Egyptian Leaded Bronze Harpocrates Figure

About Auction

Live

VARIETY SALE | Ancient & Ethnographic Art

By Artemis Gallery

Apr 15, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-04-15 10:00:00 2021-04-15 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : VARIETY SALE | Ancient & Ethnographic Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/variety-sale-ancient-ethnographic-art-6811
Featuring classical antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art from cultures encompassing the globe. Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Fine Art, more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (310)

• Lot Description
  Egypt, Romano-Egyptian, ca. 100 to 300 CE. A handsome cast leaded bronze figural pendant of Harpocrates (Harpokrates), the Greco-Roman god of silence, secrets, and confidentiality, depicted as a youth. Standing in contrapposto, the nude deity holds one finger of his right hand pressed to his lips in a hushing pose, a typical stance for Harpocrates, while his left arm falls parallel to his slender torso and grasps a small object, perhaps a flail, in his left hand. Thick, wavy locks of hair frame his naturalistic visage, capped by a pschent or sekhemty, the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. A suspension loop projects from the back of the tranquil deity. Strung on a modern cord to be wearable, this is a stunning way to incorporate ancient Egyptian iconography into your attire! Size: 0.5" W x 1.625" H (1.3 cm x 4.1 cm); Size of chain: 22" L (55.9 cm)
  
  Harpokrates (also Harpocrates) was, in many ways, one of the most popular deities in the Egyptian pantheon for centuries on end. The offspring of Osiris and Isis, Harpokrates was originally thought to be a protective deity, warding dangerous magic and creatures away from the wielder of his effigy. His depiction as a child was a common sight in ancient Egypt as infantile gods were favored to their adult characterizations from roughly the Third Intermediate Period on into Greco-Roman times. Created mostly as temple votives, child gods were thought to have a higher concentration of power and influence, thus making for a stronger prayer request when left as an offering.
  
  References to Harpokrates appeared in classical literature, including Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 277 (Roman mythographer c. 2nd century CE) and of course Ovid's Metamorphoses as we see in the following passage, "She saw before her bed, or seemed to see as in a dream, great (Egyptian goddess) Isis with her train of holy deities. Upon her brow there stood the crescent moon-horns, garlanded with glittering heads of golden grain, and grace of royal dignity: and at her side . . . (Harpocrates) the god who holds his finger to his lips for silence's sake." (Ovid, Metamorphoses 9.688 ff - trans. Melville - Roman epic ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE).
  
  Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000
  
  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.
  
  #158985

  Condition

  Ancient pendant strung on modern strand. Missing both feet. Nicks to loop. Expected light abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with excellent remaining details and lovely earthen deposits throughout.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 26.50 %