Lot 17
  • 17

An Egyptian Polychrome and Gilt Cartonnage Mummy Mask, late Ptolemaic/early Roman Period, circa late 1st Century B.C./early 1st Century A.D.

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description

  • An Egyptian Polychrome and Gilt Cartonnage Mummy Mask
  • cartonnage
  • Height 17 1/2 in. 44.5 cm.
wearing a long richly decorated wig painted with a checkerboard pattern of rosettes, lotus and papyrus flowers, and surmounted by a winged scarab with gold sun-disk, and Re-Harakhti with wings spread beneath a field of stars, the broad gold collar ornamented with Eyes of Horus, disks, lotus and papyrus festoons, rosettes, and beads, the face with long finely-painted blue eyebrows and cosmetic lines in relief.

Provenance

private collection, Paris
American private collection, Houston, acquired from the above in 1979-1981 (Sotheby’s, New York, November 24th-25th, 1987, no. 54, illus.)

Condition

The mask was at some point somewhat crushed and the back of the upper part of the wig is misshapen and fragmentary. There are several cracks and dents on the back and top of the wig. The nose appears to be restored. Several areas have been reinforced at the back. Other imperfections as shown in the photograph. The decoration on the wig and collar appears to be un-retouched.
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 related masks cf. G. Grimm, Die Römischen Mummienmasken aus Ägypten, Wiesbaden, 1974, pls. 1-4.