Egyptian Leaded Bronze Seated Horus / Harpokrates

Ancient Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A charming leaded-bronze cast statue depicting the youthful god Harpokrates (from the Egyptian "Her-pa-khered," literally "Horus the child"). He sits nude with both legs bent before his body and arms to his sides. His face presents almond-shaped eyes, a wide nose, protruding ears, and a curving sidelock. He wears a tall Pschent crown with a frontal uraeus, symbolizing his rule over the unified Upper and Lower Egypt. This is a lovely example with handsome features and an attractive deep green patina! Size: 1.125" W x 3.875" H (2.9 cm x 9.8 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Harpokrates (also Harpocrates) was, in many ways, one of the most popular deities in the Egyptian pantheon for centuries on end. The offspring of Osiris and Isis, Harpokrates was originally thought to be a protective deity, warding dangerous magic and creatures away from the wielder of his effigy. His depiction as a child was a common sight in ancient Egypt as infantile gods were favored to their adult characterizations from roughly the Third Intermediate Period on into Greco-Roman times. Created mostly as temple votives, child gods were thought to have a higher concentration of power and influence, thus making for a stronger prayer request when left as an offering.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex-New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Texas, USA collection, acquired from Ishtar Gate Gallery, Houston, Texas, USA, before 2000

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#164996
Condition Report: Some softening of finer details. Surface pitting and heavy patina. Otherwise intact with nice details!