An Egyptian Basalt Torso of a Woman, 30th Dynasty/early Ptolemaic Period, circa 380-250 B.C.

possibly a queen or goddess, of slender and graceful form striding with her arms held to her sides, and wearing a long close-fitting dress, the back pillar uninscribed.

Richard (Rex) Miles Arundel Eaton Turner (1880-1938), perhaps acquired in Egypt in the 1920s
his widow Gertrud Steensen, 1938
their son Henry Turner (1918-2004), St Andrews, 1972
by descent to the present owners, 2004

What remains is in excellent condition. There are a few small chips on the edge of the back pillar, and a few very minor old nicks on the body. An old nick on the tip of each breast. The tips of the fingers are either intact or have varying degrees of chips and abrasions. The extremely hard stone is meta-basalt.
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.

For a very similar torso in the Simu Collection in Bucharest see Sabine Albersmeier, Untersuchungen zu den Frauenstatuen des Ptolemäischen Ägypten, Mainz am Rhein, 2002, cat. no. 43, pl. 20.

Rex Turner's diplomatic career as a British Commercial Secretary first took him to Darmstadt, Germany, in 1904-1906. Further postings included Denmark during part of WWI, Greece, Persia, Italy, Egypt, and Austria. He was in Vienna at the time of the Anschluss and died the same year in Brussels. In 1918 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) for his service in the British armed forces. Several ancient sculptures in his collection depict the female form.