An Egyptian Limestone Relief Fragment, 6th Dynasty, 2360-2195 B.C.

carved in sunk relief with the figure of a man striding to left, wearing a kilt, broad collar, and short beard, and holding a tall staff in his right hand and a cloth in his left, his face with large almond-shaped eye and eyebrow in relief, an inscription above containing his name, Itjer.

Michel Abemayor, New York
Missouri Public Service Co., Raytown, Missouri, acquired from the above in 1959 (as from the Tomb of Methethy)
acquired from the above by the present owner in the mid 1980s

Very good and as shown in catalogue; note damage to left shoulder and chips and abrasions elsewhere such as to the upper lip; at some stage of its life the wig was roughly and lightly scratched as if to indicate detail.
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.

Although the present relief shows no stylistic or epigraphic evidence of being from the tomb of Methethy, it was sold in 1959 as originating from that monument. Methethy, an important official at the court of King Unas, bore the title of "Overseer of the King's Tenants" and was probably buried at Saqqara. See B. Kaplony, Studien zum Grab des Methethi, Bern, 1976. For other reliefs of larger scale from the tomb of Methethy showing both him and his son striding see the examples assembled from various public collections (Paris, Toronto, Berlin) for the exhibition Egyptian Art in the Age of the Pyramids, New York, 1999, pp. 408ff., nos. 151-154.