Ancient Egypt Ptolemaic–Roman Period Terracotta Terracotta Figure of Harpocrates (Horus Child) with Vessel - 12 cm
14
days
16
hours
15
minutes
24
seconds
Current bid
€ 4
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
 | €4 | |
|---|---|---|
| €3 | |
 | €2 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 145414 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
This terracotta fragment of Harpocrates with a small vessel is from Ptolemaic–Roman Egypt, dates to circa the 3rd century BC–2nd century AD and measures 12 × 9 × 4 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Finely modelled fragment of an ancient Egyptian terracotta figure depicting Harpocrates (the Child Horus). Preserved is the upper part of the figure, showing the characteristic youthful face, the distinctive sidelock of youth, and the remains of the double crown. Attached to one side is a small vessel or pot, a motif frequently encountered in terracotta representations of Harpocrates.
The figure is made of light-fired terracotta with traces of a pale surface slip. The facial features—including the eyes, nose, and mouth—remain well defined, while the carefully modelled curls are still clearly visible. The lower portion of the figure is missing.
Harpocrates was one of the most popular deities of Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt, symbolising childhood, protection, rebirth, and divine silence. Terracotta figures of this type were commonly used as household cult objects or dedicated as votive offerings in temples and shrines.
Condition: Fragmentary. The lower section is missing. Age-related wear, surface abrasion, and several old fracture lines are visible. Overall, the surface is well preserved with an attractive ancient patina.T
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Finely modelled fragment of an ancient Egyptian terracotta figure depicting Harpocrates (the Child Horus). Preserved is the upper part of the figure, showing the characteristic youthful face, the distinctive sidelock of youth, and the remains of the double crown. Attached to one side is a small vessel or pot, a motif frequently encountered in terracotta representations of Harpocrates.
The figure is made of light-fired terracotta with traces of a pale surface slip. The facial features—including the eyes, nose, and mouth—remain well defined, while the carefully modelled curls are still clearly visible. The lower portion of the figure is missing.
Harpocrates was one of the most popular deities of Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt, symbolising childhood, protection, rebirth, and divine silence. Terracotta figures of this type were commonly used as household cult objects or dedicated as votive offerings in temples and shrines.
Condition: Fragmentary. The lower section is missing. Age-related wear, surface abrasion, and several old fracture lines are visible. Overall, the surface is well preserved with an attractive ancient patina.T
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egypt Ptolemaic–Roman Period
Century/timeframe
ca. 3rd century BC – 2nd century AD
Name of object
Terracotta Figure of Harpocrates (Horus Child) with Vessel
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
12 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
9 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
4 cm
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.
