Egyptian Bronze Osiris

SKU: MS.0052

Origin: Egypt
Circa: Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, 664 BC to 30 BC
Dimensions: 9.5" Height x 2.3" Width x 2.3" Depth including custom stand (24 cm x 5.8 cm x 5.8 cm)
Medium: Bronze

The striking god of the underworld is here depicted mummiform with his arms folded on his chest, wearing the plumed atef-crown and frontal uraeus.  His solemn face is adorned by a long false beard and his elongated eyes preserve traces of gold overlay.  The incised multi-strand broad collar is exquisitely detailed as he stands pillar like holding the crook and flail.  Majestically perched atop an integral trapezoidal base featuring two sides with hieroglyphic inscriptions that read 'Osiris gives life to [?], Padiusir.'

Private collection, France, acquired 1970s

Overall with a smooth mottled dark patination. Tip of his left plume missing. Minor surface wear overall.

Osiris was one of the most important of the Egyptian deities, embodying all the quintessential concerns of the ancient Egyptians through his close association with death, resurrection and fertility. He was frequently depicted as a mummy with hands holding the royal implements of the crook and flail and wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt. The cult of Osiris became increasingly important in the 1st Millennium B.C., as reflected in the profusion of bronze Osiris figures that were offered at shrines and temples of this period. Such statuettes were made in various sizes, however the present figure above is one of the larger examples.

For a similar bronze Osiris in canonical form with hieroglyphs to the base, see "Standing Mummiform Statuette of Osiris", c. 664-332 BC, Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, Accession # 08.480.38

ENQUIRY FORM

Late Dynastic

Egyptian Bronze Osiris

Late Dynastic

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