Lot 57
  • 57

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

Estimate
6,000 - 9,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • An Egyptian Polychrome Wood Mummy Mask
  • painted wood
  • 27 by 27 1/2 in. 68.6 by 69.9 cm.
from a large anthropoid coffin, wearing a fragmentary broad collar with Horus-head terminals and striped tripartite wig, the pectoral painted with the deceased worshipping Osiris, the Abydos fetish behind, empty panels in place of an inscription above.

Provenance

Frank and Joan Ross collection, California, formed in the 1960s-70s (the mask received for conservation work at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, February 10th, 1972)

Condition

Much as it appears in the photograph. Note large areas of paint loss and cracks. Composed of four vertical planks which appear to have been re-attached or reinforced with adhesives more than once (probably in one case by the LA County Museum of Art in 1972). The face and ears are attached with pegs to the boards. The paint appears to be mostly original, but there appears to be retouching on the lower part of the face, and the center area of the pectoral and the area below have been repainted which affects the arms of Osiris and the front of the foot of the owner, as well as the eye of Horus below.
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.