Ancient Egypt, Late Period Bronze Statue of Harpocrates wearing the Hemhem crown, with a Spanish import license. - 12 cm
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Current bid
€ 800
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 2,200 - € 2,500
 | €800 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
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Statue of Harpocrates wearing the Hemhem crown, a bronze Ancient Egyptian statuette from the Late Period, about 12 cm high, dating to 664–332 bc, acquired from an auction house in France in 2026.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A magnificent statuette of Harpocrates, a Hellenized depiction of Horus the Child (Hor-pa-jered), a deity associated with the rising sun, renewal, and the victory of light over darkness. Son of Isis and Osiris, Harpocrates appears in his characteristic childlike iconography, bringing his finger to his mouth—a symbolic Egyptian gesture linked to childhood and rebirth.
The figure wears an exceptional Hemhem crown, one of the most complex and powerful insignia in the royal and divine iconography of Ancient Egypt. This elaborate “triple crown” consists of three bundles of Atef-style reeds atop ram’s horns, flanked by sacred cobras (uraei), symbols of protection and divine sovereignty. Associated with dawn, solar rebirth, and protection during times of transition, the Hemhem crown represented the triumph of order (Maat) over chaos.
In the context of Harpocrates, the crown emphasizes his status as the legitimate heir of Osiris and embodies his divine power latent from birth. The stark contrast between the delicacy of the child’s body and the monumentality of the crown reflects a central idea in Egyptian art: the fragility of childhood protected by the strength of the supreme divinity.
Provenance: Acquired at Auction House in France, 2026. Previously from another auction house, also in France.
For destinations out of Spanish territorry: all our object will be shipped after obtaining the export certificate by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take some weeks.
According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes and will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense.
These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
- Up to 6,000 euros: 5%.
- From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10%.
Due to Switzerland customs regulations about antiques over 100 years old, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland.
Seller's Story
Ifergan Gallery – Ancient Art is an antique art gallery located in Malaga, with more than 10 years of experience specializing in ancient art and archaeology. The pieces we offer come from the Ifergan Collection Museum, which guarantees their historical value and quality. Our goal is to bring authentic archaeological pieces to both collectors and those who wish to start collecting, offering original works for different budgets and always with the maximum guarantees. All our pieces have been legally acquired and are shipped with a certificate of authenticity and export permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with fast and secure shipping via DHL Express.
A magnificent statuette of Harpocrates, a Hellenized depiction of Horus the Child (Hor-pa-jered), a deity associated with the rising sun, renewal, and the victory of light over darkness. Son of Isis and Osiris, Harpocrates appears in his characteristic childlike iconography, bringing his finger to his mouth—a symbolic Egyptian gesture linked to childhood and rebirth.
The figure wears an exceptional Hemhem crown, one of the most complex and powerful insignia in the royal and divine iconography of Ancient Egypt. This elaborate “triple crown” consists of three bundles of Atef-style reeds atop ram’s horns, flanked by sacred cobras (uraei), symbols of protection and divine sovereignty. Associated with dawn, solar rebirth, and protection during times of transition, the Hemhem crown represented the triumph of order (Maat) over chaos.
In the context of Harpocrates, the crown emphasizes his status as the legitimate heir of Osiris and embodies his divine power latent from birth. The stark contrast between the delicacy of the child’s body and the monumentality of the crown reflects a central idea in Egyptian art: the fragility of childhood protected by the strength of the supreme divinity.
Provenance: Acquired at Auction House in France, 2026. Previously from another auction house, also in France.
For destinations out of Spanish territorry: all our object will be shipped after obtaining the export certificate by Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take some weeks.
According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes and will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense.
These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it:
- Up to 6,000 euros: 5%.
- From 6.001 to 60.000 euros: 10%.
Due to Switzerland customs regulations about antiques over 100 years old, this lot cannot be sold to customers residing in Switzerland.
Seller's Story
Ifergan Gallery – Ancient Art is an antique art gallery located in Malaga, with more than 10 years of experience specializing in ancient art and archaeology. The pieces we offer come from the Ifergan Collection Museum, which guarantees their historical value and quality. Our goal is to bring authentic archaeological pieces to both collectors and those who wish to start collecting, offering original works for different budgets and always with the maximum guarantees. All our pieces have been legally acquired and are shipped with a certificate of authenticity and export permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, with fast and secure shipping via DHL Express.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egypt, Late Period
Century/timeframe
664-332 b.C.
Name of object
Statue of Harpocrates wearing the Hemhem crown, with a Spanish import license.
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Height
12 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
