33 - A RARE LIFESIZE WOODEN HAND FROM A MONUMENTAL STATUE, MIDDLE KINGDOM, 12TH DYNASTY, 1991–1785 BC

A RARE LIFESIZE WOODEN HAND FROM A MONUMENTAL STATUE, MIDDLE KINGDOM, 12TH DYNASTY, 1991–1785 BC Published: D. Wildung, J.-L. Domercq, Ancient Egyptian Wood Sculptures, Sycomore Ancient Art, Geneva, 2015, p. 26–27, catalog no. 7. Expert authentication: A copy of the expert certificate from Sycomore Ancient Art, Geneva, reference no. N1189, confirming the dating and provenance, accompanies the lot. A copy of the signed authentication certificate by Christoph Bacher, reference number 1621, confirming the dating and provenances, accompanies the lot. Egypt. Finely carved in lifesize proportions as a left hand, the fingers gently curled inward and the thumb resting naturally across them. The slender, elongated fingers are sensitively modeled, with carefully delineated fingernails and subtly articulated joints, lending the hand a remarkably naturalistic appearance. The center is hollow. The surface preserves extensive traces of reddish-brown pigment. Condition: Good condition with expected wear, obvious losses, traces of fire, natural age cracks, and few tiny nicks. Provenance: - Galerie Sycomore, Geneva, Switzerland, before 1983. - French private collection, acquired from the above, by 1993. - The private collection of Mr. D., Geneva, Switzerland, acquired from the above. - Jean-Louis Domercq, Galerie Sycomore, Geneva, Switzerland, after 2001. - Christoph Bacher, Vienna, Austria. A copy of a notarized certificate dated 15 January 2001, confirming the provenance from Jean-Louis Domercq, accompanies the lot. An image of the present hand was also featured on a New Year’s greeting card issued by Galerie Sycomore. IADAA Search certificate: Certificate no. 20:27 from 9 September 2026. A copy of this document is accompanying this lot. Artloss Register: Certificate no. S00050577 from 4 August 2011. A copy of this document is accompanying this lot. French Export License: Certificate d’exportation pour un bien culturel, file no. 252548, dated 19 February 2025, has been granted by the Ministre de la culture et de la communication, France. A copy accompanies this lot. Weight: 454 g Dimensions: Length 18.3 cm Expert’s note The lifesize proportions and carefully finished details indicate that the hand originally belonged to a substantial wooden statue. Its tightly curled fingers and hollowed center suggest that it was designed to grasp a separately made attribute, most likely a staff or scepter. Such separately attached elements were a practical feature of Egyptian wooden sculpture, allowing projecting parts to be carved independently and fitted to the figure. The surviving reddish-brown pigment further suggests that the hand belonged to a male figure, following the conventional Egyptian use of darker reddish tones for male skin. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 10 December 2009, lot 13 Price: USD 56,250 or approx. EUR 76,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian wood forearm from an over-lifesize figure of a man, Middle Kingdom, probably 12th Dynasty, 1938-1759 B.C. Expert remark: Compare the similar subject, manner of carving, and materials. Note the size (40 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Artcurial, Paris, 17 December 2024, lot 10 Price: EUR 65,600 or approx. EUR 67,400 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An important Egyptian sculpted wood fragment depicting a sandaled left foot, probably New Kingdom, circa 1550–1069 BC. Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject, fragmentary nature, manner of carving, and material. Note the size (22 cm). Due to length restriction on Drouot this entry is shortened. For full description please visit www.zacke.at.