Ancient Egyptian Terracotta - Hellenistic Bust of a Woman, Isis-Aphrodite type - 8 cm
15
days
08
hours
50
minutes
53
seconds
Current bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
 | €1 |
|---|
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 145304 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Ancient Egyptian terracotta bust of a woman of the Isis-Aphrodite type, dating to circa the 3rd century BC–1st century AD and measuring 8 × 5 × 4 cm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Finely modelled terracotta bust depicting a woman with a distinctive high, tower-like hairstyle, a characteristic feature of female representations from Graeco-Roman Egypt and associated with the so-called Isis type.
The figure displays pronounced feminine features and an elaborate coiffure, combining elements of Egyptian artistic tradition with the naturalistic influence of Hellenistic art. The voluminous hair rises prominently above the head and may indicate a cultic or divine association. Comparable terracotta types are known from centres such as Alexandria, Naukratis, and the Fayum, where such figures could serve as votive offerings or objects of private devotion.
The face is carefully modelled and retains expressive details despite age-related wear. The upper body is depicted nude, an iconographic element associated with femininity and fertility. The reverse is simply worked.
The surface shows age-related wear, minor losses, and deposits consistent with its archaeological character.
Condition: Age-related wear, minor losses, surface deposits, and traces of encrustation. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Finely modelled terracotta bust depicting a woman with a distinctive high, tower-like hairstyle, a characteristic feature of female representations from Graeco-Roman Egypt and associated with the so-called Isis type.
The figure displays pronounced feminine features and an elaborate coiffure, combining elements of Egyptian artistic tradition with the naturalistic influence of Hellenistic art. The voluminous hair rises prominently above the head and may indicate a cultic or divine association. Comparable terracotta types are known from centres such as Alexandria, Naukratis, and the Fayum, where such figures could serve as votive offerings or objects of private devotion.
The face is carefully modelled and retains expressive details despite age-related wear. The upper body is depicted nude, an iconographic element associated with femininity and fertility. The reverse is simply worked.
The surface shows age-related wear, minor losses, and deposits consistent with its archaeological character.
Condition: Age-related wear, minor losses, surface deposits, and traces of encrustation. Please refer to the photographs for the exact condition.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs, and supporting biographical records.
Details
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Circa 3rd century BC – 1st century AD
Name of object
- Hellenistic Bust of a Woman, Isis-Aphrodite type
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
5 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.
