Frederick Arthur Bridgman

The two foremost figures walking down the stairs in the present work reappear in a number of Bridgman’s compositions.  They are related to the priest and priestess at the rear of the barge in Burial of a Mummy exhibited in the Salon of 1877 (and sold in these room, October 23, 1990, lot 40) and are again seen in different placements in his Procession of the Sacred Bull Apis, Salon, 1879 (sold in these rooms, November 8, 2013, lot 66).  As evidenced by these two important Salon paintings and his exhibition of works titled Priest and Sacred Scribe, Temple of Edfu, and Ancient Egypt, in Boston in 1878, the Antique period was of particular interest to the artist in the late 1870s. Given these compositional associations and based on the work’s style and palette the present Egyptian Procession likely dates from circa 1876-79. 

Faint buckling to canvas in the corners. Faint stretcher bar mark visible at top. Unlined. Under UV: Broadly brushed inpainting in areas of the background and in isolated spots in the steps and to the right of the white robed figure.
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.