An Egyptian Limestone Relief of Ptolemy II
Sale 1035 - Antiquities and Ancient Art: A Study
May 26, 2022
10:00AM CT
Live / Chicago
Estimate
$8,000 -
$12,000
Sold for $12,500
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
An Egyptian Limestone Relief of Ptolemy II
Ptolemaic Period, Reign of Ptolemy II, 284-246 B.C.
Length 21 1/7 inches (54 cm).
Provenance:
Ancient World Arts, New York, 1980s.
Sotheby's, London, Antiquities, 19 May 1986, Lot 150.
Private Collection, California, 1980s-2022.
Note:
This fragment is carved in sunken relief and records the two principal names of the Greek pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphos, each appearing in a cartouche. Placed beside the cartouches is a sun disk flanked by two cobras and ankhas, which symbolize the Eye of Ra. In ancient Egyptian religion, Ra was the all powerful sun god and the Eye of Ra were four female deities that enacted his power. Using divine imagery such as this for decoration on temples and tombs helped to substantiate Greek rule in ancient Egypt. Under Ptolemy II the empire reached its farthest extent and completed construction on the Lighthouse at Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Condition Report
Height 12 1/8 inches (30.8 cm).
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