Egyptian Leaded Bronze Statue Nude Harpocrates

**Originally Listed At $800**

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. A leaded bronze figure 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, his right index finger held to his mouth to indicate silence, and his left arm held to his side. His face presents almond-shaped eyes, a wide nose, perky ears, and a sidelock. He wears a tall double crown with a frontal uraeus, symbolizing his rule over the unified Upper and Lower Egypt. Size: 0.9" W x 3.375" H (2.3 cm x 8.6 cm); 3.625" H (9.2 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.

References to Harpokrates appeared in classical literature, including Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 277 (Roman mythographer c. 2nd century CE) and Ovid's Metamorphoses as we see in the following passage, "She saw before her bed, or seemed to see as in a dream, great (Egyptian goddess) Isis with her train of holy deities. Upon her brow there stood the crescent moon-horns, garlanded with glittering heads of golden grain, and grace of royal dignity: and at her side . . . (Harpocrates) the god who holds his finger to his lips for silence's sake." (Ovid, Metamorphoses 9.688 ff - trans. Melville - Roman epic ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE).

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection; ex-Explorer Ancient Art, New York, New York, USA, before 2000

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#156677
Condition Report: Losses to both feet and lower legs as shown. Several stable hairline fissures stemming from impact on posterior, with softening to finer details, and nicks and abrasions to head, headdress, limbs, and body. Wonderful patina throughout.