Lot 31
  • 31

An Egyptian Polychrome and Gilt Cartonnage Mummy Mask, late Ptolemaic Period, circa 100-30 B.C.

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • An Egyptian Polychrome and Gilt Cartonnage Mummy Mask
  • Cartonnage
  • Height 18 1/8 in. 46 cm.
wearing a broad collar and wig with headband knotted in back and Eye of Horus in relief in front, the stylized hair falling in linked spirals over the forehead, the gilt face with eyes and eyebrows painted black and white, the lappets decorated on the left with a seated figure of Nephthys and on the right with a seated figure of Isis, a diminutive figure of a woman wearing a diademed tripartite wig on the back; traces of bitumen.

Provenance

Galerie des Saints-Pères, 11 rue des Saints-Pères, Paris
Belgian private collection, aquired from the above on April 26th, 1980 

Condition

Minor losses and hairline cracks overall. Several areas of flaking have been stabilized, including around the lower edge of the plastron and on the lappets of the wig. Ancient bitumen stains visible on broad collar. Other bitumen stains on lappets and proper left side of wig have been partially cleaned and toned down. An approximately five by two inch loss to gesso and pigment on the reverse affecting the shoulder, upper arm and upper body of the painted figure was restored. Inside of mask appears to have been reinforced. There is a piece of tape stabilizing the lower section of each lappet from the inside.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

For related examples see G. Grimm, Die Römischen Mummienmasken aus Ägypten, Wiesbaden, 1974, color pl. A, and pl. 4, 4.