LATE PERIOD-PTOLEMAIC PERIOD, CIRCA 4TH CENTURY B.C.

In ancient Egyptian iconography, the recumbent falcon is known as Gemehesu, as opposed to the standing falcon Bik. The Gemehesu falcon is found in wood representations of Ptah-Sokar-Osiris, where the diminutive bird, wrapped in a funerary cloak, gazes up to the god of resurrection. It is rarely depicted alone; however, a recumbent falcon deity is portrayed in two reliefs from the temple of Hibis, in the Kharga Oasis. These representations, where the Gemehesu is shown atop a base, would have served as a reflection of a real-life stone sculpture. The present example is an exceptional survival of one such sculpture.

A number of standing falcons from the time of Nectanebo II (circa 360-343 B.C.) present significant stylistic similarities to the above: the strong attitude, powerful expression, rounded eyes, and the markings that surround them, and the manner in which the tips of the wings are represented, with the right crossing over the left, are ubiquitous. Yet, whilst incorporating these canonical elements, this falcon once again shows itself to be remarkable, due to the quality of the stone used, the perfectly polished surface, and the fine execution of the carefully incised markings.