AN EGYPTIAN BRONZE ENTHRONED GOD
AN EGYPTIAN BRONZE ENTHRONED GOD

LATE PERIOD TO PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.

Details
AN EGYPTIAN BRONZE ENTHRONED GOD
LATE PERIOD TO PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, 664-30 B.C.
8 in. (20.3 cm.) high
Provenance
Private Collection, Switzerland.
Antiquities, Christie's, London, 23 September 1998, lot 96.
Literature
S. Hermann, Le don du Nil: Art égyptien dans les collections suisses, Basel, 1978, p. 89, pl. 316, no. 316.
Exhibited
Basel, University of Basel, Le don du Nil: Art égyptien dans les collections suisses, 1978.

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Max Bernheimer
Max Bernheimer

Lot Essay

This sculpture is quite unusual in that male gods represented as adult humans typically do not wear a modius. However, due to the loss of the original attributes, the identity of this god is a mystery. It is likely depicting Shu (the god of air) or Atum (a sun god) based on its its presentation and remaining characteristics. The large deep indentation on the top of the modius was for attaching another superior crown or attribute, likely either a feather for Shu or a double crown for Atum. In the god's fisted hand, he once held an attribute-- a tall walking staff in his left and an ankh in his right if he is Atum.

The back of the throne is incised with two figures: a winged falcon wearing a solar disc on his head suggesting Horus of Heliopolis. The other figure is Heh, a Hermopolite, who personified infinity.

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