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Terracotta head of Harpocrates
wearing the double crown of Egypt flanked by lotus buds.
The expertly modeled face shows almond-shaped eyes with sharply defined eyelids,
a broad nose, and fleshy lips.
The head is bald except for small tufts of hair and the side lock of a child.
Harpokrates, the infant son of Isis and Horus, symbolized both youth and
fertility. Harpokrates was revered as the patron deity of childhood.
For a close parallel, cf. item no. 29 in: Eva Bayer-Niemeier. Bildwerke der
Sammlung Kaufmann. Griechisch-römische Terrakotten. Melsungen 1988.
Moldmade, from a two halves. Much use of the modeling tool. White coating is
preserved in places.
Old label behind preferring to lot number 995 of an unknown auction. Horus
written with pencil on the back.
Head fragment, broken at neck level. One lotus bud and point of the crown
missing.
H. 6.8 cm (2.7 in)
Unknown auction house, early 20th century sale, part of lot no. 995.
Theodor Fischer, auction house owner from Lucerne, gifts the piece to a friend
in 1941 (copy of the accompanying note joined).
480 USD |
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