Lot 93
  • 93

An Egyptian Steatite Horus Stele, Late Ptolemaic Period, circa 100-30 B.C.

Estimate
5,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description

  • An Egyptian Steatite Horus Stele
  • Steatite
  • Height 3 9/16 in. 9 cm.
carved in front with the young god Horus standing on two crocodiles beneath a mask of Bes, holding engraved serpents, scorpions, a lion, and a horned quadruped, and flanked by a lotus and papyrus stem, one supporting a Horus Falcon, the other twin ostrich plumes, the reverse engraved with many lines of magical inscription (Daressy's Text B) beneath two registers each showing various deities, the edges, bottom, and front of base also inscribed.

Provenance

acquired by Harry Boswell in the 1960s

Condition

Face of Horus ritually worn away as usual on this type of object, other areas of wear on protruding areas such as head of Bes and crocodiles, inscription on front of base partly worn away; on back of object top right corner is chipped and there is an inch and a half long by half an inch wide superficial chip repaired along right edge.
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 other examples of these magical stelae, cf. G. Steindorff, Catalogue of the Egyptian Sculpture in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, 1946, nos. 734-741; also compare Sotheby's, New York, June 11th, 2010, no. 59.