AN EGYPTIAN POLYCHROME AND GILT CARTONNAGE MUMMY MASK LATE PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, CIRCA 100 – 30 B.C. |

wearing a broad collar and wig with headband knotted in back and Eye of Horus in relief in front, the stylised hair falling in linked spirals over the forehead, the gilt face with eyes and eyebrows painted black and white, the lappets decorated on the left with a seated figure of Nephthys and on the right with a seated figure of Isis, a diminutive figure of a woman wearing a diademed tripartite wig on the back, traces of bitumen

Galerie des Saints-Pères, Paris.
A Belgian private collection, aquired on 26th April 1980.

The mummy mask is in fairly good condition considering its age and fragility. As visible in the catalogue photo, there is some flaking and losses to the lower section, with a layer of patina obscuring some of the decoration. There is restoration to small areas at the front of the collar. There are typical age cracks, and possibly retouching. Other general surface wear.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For related examples see G. Grimm, Die Römischen Mummienmasken aus Ägypten, Wiesbaden, 1974, col. pl. A and pl. 4. 4.