with Franco Monti, Paris. Private collection, Parma, Italy, acquired 1970s; and thence by descent to the present owner.
With an orange-peel dimpled surface overall probably for the application of gilding (now lost). With a very dark green/brown surface patination. Several small square and rectangular shaped casting repairs overall, particularly visible over the proper left arm area. Loss to the lower edge of the proper left rams horn. A Small roughly circular shaped hole on the proper left side of the hollow integral base. The eyes appear to be overpainted a mottled dark gold colour.
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 similar size and composition including the Atef crown, implements, and adornments see 'Osiris, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, MD, 54.551.'
