Ptolemaic–Roman Period Terracotta Ancient Terracotta Figure Fragment of Harpocrates (Child Horus) - 8 cm
14
days
14
hours
34
minutes
57
seconds
Current bid
€ 45
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
 | €45 | |
|---|---|---|
| €42 | |
| €39 | |
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 8 cm-high terracotta fragment depicts Harpocrates, the child Horus, and dates to the Ptolemaic–Roman period.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Fragment of a finely modelled terracotta statuette depicting the young god Horus (Harpocrates). The figure displays youthful, softly modelled facial features and characteristic curled locks falling over the forehead. The head is slightly inclined, giving the figure a calm and serene expression.
The surviving fragment preserves the head and upper torso. The figure was most likely originally represented nude, with one finger raised to the mouth—the characteristic gesture of the child Horus. This gesture was later interpreted by the Greeks as a symbol of silence, giving rise to the name Harpocrates, although in Egyptian tradition it originally signified the god's childhood.
Traces of the original white slip (engobe) remain on the surface, indicating that the figure was once painted. Terracotta figures of this type were commonly produced during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, particularly in workshops associated with centres such as Alexandria, Naukratis and Memphis. They were widely used as domestic cult objects, votive offerings or devotional figures.
The surface displays an attractive ancient patina with well-preserved modelling of the facial features, together with remnants of the original white coating.
Condition: Fragmentary, preserving the head and upper torso. Minor chips and age-related wear consistent with age. Without stand
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.
Fragment of a finely modelled terracotta statuette depicting the young god Horus (Harpocrates). The figure displays youthful, softly modelled facial features and characteristic curled locks falling over the forehead. The head is slightly inclined, giving the figure a calm and serene expression.
The surviving fragment preserves the head and upper torso. The figure was most likely originally represented nude, with one finger raised to the mouth—the characteristic gesture of the child Horus. This gesture was later interpreted by the Greeks as a symbol of silence, giving rise to the name Harpocrates, although in Egyptian tradition it originally signified the god's childhood.
Traces of the original white slip (engobe) remain on the surface, indicating that the figure was once painted. Terracotta figures of this type were commonly produced during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, particularly in workshops associated with centres such as Alexandria, Naukratis and Memphis. They were widely used as domestic cult objects, votive offerings or devotional figures.
The surface displays an attractive ancient patina with well-preserved modelling of the facial features, together with remnants of the original white coating.
Condition: Fragmentary, preserving the head and upper torso. Minor chips and age-related wear consistent with age. Without stand
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
Ptolemaic–Roman Period
Century/timeframe
ca. 3. Jh. v. Chr. – 1. Jh. n. Chr.
Name of object
Ancient Terracotta Figure Fragment of Harpocrates (Child Horus)
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
8 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
4 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
Depth
2.5 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.
