An Egyptian Basalt Portrait Bust of a Woman

An Egyptian Basalt Portrait Bust of a Woman

Middle Kingdom, 13th Dynasty, 1773-1650 B.C.

Height 10 1/4 inches. Decorative Arts
A diagonal crack through the proper right side of the headdress, just to the right of center, then diagonally through the forehead, the inner corner of the proper left eye, through the left cheek, upper part of the neck, and continuing diagonally through the lower portion of the headdress. This crack with fill and overpainting, now cracking in places, with minor losses. Additional overpainting blending the surface to either side of the crack, especially along the proper left side of the face, including the left eye, and upper part of the cheek toward the ear.

Some large gashes to the top right side of the head. The nose lost. The break along the lower edge rough. The surface worn throughout with minor chips and losses.

Provenance:
Robert Friedinger-Pranter (1894-1967), the Austrian ambassador to Egypt, acquired while on diplomatic post in Cairo, 1950-1953; thence by descent.
with Münzen und Medaillen, Basel.
with Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, acquired from the above, 1987 (Art & Auction, October 1987, p. 92; Art of the Ancient World, vol. V,1, 1988, no. 66).
James and Marilynn Alsdorf, Chicago, acquired in 1987.
Christie’s, New York, Ancient Art from the James and Marilynn Alsdorf Collection, online, 2-16 June 2020, Lot 1.