Figure of Harpocrates with a banner of the god Horus.

Ancient Egpyt, Alexandria, Ptolemaic period, c. 323 - 90 AD.

Terracotta

7.5 cm height.

PROVENANCE: Private collection, Lemoine, Caen. France. 1960.

CONDITION: Intact.

DESCRIPTION:

Harpocrates (Ancient Greek: Ἁρποκράτης) was the god of silence, secrets and confidentiality in the Hellenistic religion developed in Ptolemaic Alexandria (and also an embodiment of hope, according to Plutarch). Harpocrates was adapted by the Greeks from the Egyptian child god Horus, who represented the newborn sun, rising each day at dawn. Harpocrates's name was a Hellenization of the Egyptian Har-pa-khered or Heru-pa-khered, meaning "Horus the Child".

The depiction of the Alexandrian god Harpocrates with a standard bearing the head of Horus is a striking fusion of Egyptian and Hellenistic symbolism. Harpocrates, associated with silence and secrecy in ancient Egypt, is portrayed as a youthful figure, often shown holding his finger to his lips in a gesture of quietude. The addition of the Horus standard, bearing the likeness of the falcon-headed god, signifies protection and royal authority. This amalgamation of deities reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Alexandria, a city at the crossroads of cultures in the Hellenistic world. The figure serves as a poignant testament to the syncretic religious practices and artistic innovation of the era.


Notes:

The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
The piece includes authenticity certificate.
The piece includes Spanish Export License.

Seller's Story

Gallery of Ancient Art - Archeology based in Barcelona with more than fifteen years of experience. Specialized in classical art, Egyptian art, Asian art and pre-Columbian art. It guarantees the authenticity of all its pieces. It participates in the most important art fairs in Spain, such as Feriarte, as well as in fairs abroad, BRAFA, Parcours des Mondes, Cultures Brussels. All the pieces are sent with an Export Permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. We are quick to ship via DHL Express or Direct Art Transport.
Translated by Google Translate

Figure of Harpocrates with a banner of the god Horus.

Ancient Egpyt, Alexandria, Ptolemaic period, c. 323 - 90 AD.

Terracotta

7.5 cm height.

PROVENANCE: Private collection, Lemoine, Caen. France. 1960.

CONDITION: Intact.

DESCRIPTION:

Harpocrates (Ancient Greek: Ἁρποκράτης) was the god of silence, secrets and confidentiality in the Hellenistic religion developed in Ptolemaic Alexandria (and also an embodiment of hope, according to Plutarch). Harpocrates was adapted by the Greeks from the Egyptian child god Horus, who represented the newborn sun, rising each day at dawn. Harpocrates's name was a Hellenization of the Egyptian Har-pa-khered or Heru-pa-khered, meaning "Horus the Child".

The depiction of the Alexandrian god Harpocrates with a standard bearing the head of Horus is a striking fusion of Egyptian and Hellenistic symbolism. Harpocrates, associated with silence and secrecy in ancient Egypt, is portrayed as a youthful figure, often shown holding his finger to his lips in a gesture of quietude. The addition of the Horus standard, bearing the likeness of the falcon-headed god, signifies protection and royal authority. This amalgamation of deities reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Alexandria, a city at the crossroads of cultures in the Hellenistic world. The figure serves as a poignant testament to the syncretic religious practices and artistic innovation of the era.


Notes:

The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki.
The piece includes authenticity certificate.
The piece includes Spanish Export License.

Seller's Story

Gallery of Ancient Art - Archeology based in Barcelona with more than fifteen years of experience. Specialized in classical art, Egyptian art, Asian art and pre-Columbian art. It guarantees the authenticity of all its pieces. It participates in the most important art fairs in Spain, such as Feriarte, as well as in fairs abroad, BRAFA, Parcours des Mondes, Cultures Brussels. All the pieces are sent with an Export Permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Culture. We are quick to ship via DHL Express or Direct Art Transport.
Translated by Google Translate
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Name of object
Figure of Harpocrates with a banner of the god Horus. Ptolemaic period, c. 323 - 90 AD. 7.5 cm.
Century/ Timeframe
Ptolemaic period, c. 323 - 90 AD.
Provenance
Private Collection
Country of Origin
Unknown
Material
Terracotta
Condition
Excellent

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Disclaimer

The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.

The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.