An Egyptian Bronze Figure of Harpocrates-Somtous, 26th/30th Dynasty, 664-342 B.C.

seated with his feet resting on an inscribed trapezoidal foot-stool, his left hand extended, his right forefinger pointing to his mouth, and wearing a small pendant suspended on the chest, broad collar, braided side-lock, and the nemes headcloth with uraeus and diadem of uraei surmounted by the hem-hem crown, his face with silver overlaid eyes, the inscription on the four sides of the foot-stool partially in sunk relief and formerly inlaid, the front translating: "Somtous the Child God."

Egyptian family collection, Alexandria and Cairo, acquired in the early part of the 20th century in Egypt and Europe, and transferred from Egypt to northern European family residences in the early 1950s
Northern European private collection, by direct descent from the above in the 1970s
acquired from the above by the present owner in 2002

Excellent condition, end of right ostrich plume on crown somewhat corroded and incrusted, proper left hand slightly corroded, areas of inscription on base worn especialy in back.
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.

Cf. Cleopatra of Egypt, London, 2001, cat. no. 131, for a large bronze figure of Harpocrates in the British Museum close in size and solid cast like the present example.