62 - A ‘HORUS FALCON’ GRANODIORITE AMULET, BIK, LATE PERIOD, DYNASTY XXVI-XXX

A ‘HORUS FALCON’ GRANODIORITE AMULET, BIK, LATE PERIOD, DYNASTY XXVI-XXX Egypt, 664-332 BC. Finely carved from black-and-white speckled granodiorite, the falcon-god Horus stands upright upon a low rectangular base, the compact body modeled with folded wings overlapping along the back and articulated by strong incised lines. The head is carefully rendered with prominent eyes and a short hooked beak, while the sturdy legs descend to the integral base. The reverse of the head is pierced with a suspension loop, confirming its function as a large amulet. Provenance: With Galerie Arete, Zurich. Private collection E.L., Zurich, acquired from the above in 1986. With Robert Bigler, Zurich, Switzerland. The property of a Swiss private collector, acquired from the above in 2010. A copy of an invoice from Robert Bigler, Zurich, dated 23 June 2010, confirming the dating and provenance above, accompanies this lot. Robert Bigler, Zurich, founded his eponymous gallery in January 1994 and specializes in the brokerage and sale of artworks from East Asia (primarily Buddhist art from China and the Himalayan region), Pharaonic Egypt, prehistoric artifacts, and tribal art from various cultures. Condition: Good condition, commensurate with age. Old wear, obvious losses, small chips to the base and feet, rubbing, and natural fissures. Weight: 106.4 g (incl. stand) Dimensions: Height 4.3 cm (excl. stand), 9.4 cm (incl. stand) With an associated stand. (2) The falcon was the sacred bird of Horus, one of the most powerful protective deities of ancient Egypt. Small figures and amulets such as this were placed in the funerary assemblage to embody his guardianship, ensuring the safe passage of the deceased into the afterlife. One of the oldest and most important deities of ancient Egypt, Horus was worshipped in several distinct forms: as a falcon he was a sky god closely associated with divine kingship and solar power, while as Horus the Child he was venerated as the son of Isis and Osiris. As a protector of kingship and an embodiment of royal authority, Horus was prominently represented in temple sculpture, most famously at the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus at Edfu in Upper Egypt. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams London, 13 April 2011, lot 18 Price: GBP 1,560 or approx. EUR 2,800 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: An Egyptian diorite falcon amulet, Late Period Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, subject, and similar material. Note the size (3.5 cm).