Sold for $13,750

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

An Egyptian Bronze Cat

Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, 664-30 B.C.

Height 4 1/2 inches (11 cm).

Property from the Collection of Dr. Hernan D. Ruf, Pompano Beach, Florida

In ancient Egypt, the cat personified Bastet, the goddess of fertility, pleasure, and good health. Those hoping to conceive or seeking protection against disease would make offerings to her. This often took the form of a pilgrimage to her temple, Bubastis, or Memphis to deposit votive objects. These objects were commonly made of bronze and depict cats in various forms such as a seated cat (Lots 55, 56, & 61) and cat with kittens (Lot 57). Mummified cats were also presented as dedication to Bastet (Lot 58).

Bastet was also the protector of Lower Egypt and a daughter of the sun god, Ra. Therefore, she was the defender of both Ra and Ra’s representation on earth, the pharaoh. However, by the Third Intermediate Period religion was democratized and the cult of Bastet became more widespread. Numerous cat amulets made from semi-precious stones (Lot 59) and metals (Lot 60) have been discovered from this period onward and were likely intended to endow the wearer with Bastet’s powers of fecundity and wellbeing.

Often confounded with other feline-headed goddesses, Bastet is closely linked with Sekhmet. The earliest depictions of Bastet are as a lioness which showed her to be fierce and unapproachable. She was later transmogrified to a cat and seen as a more gentle, approachable, and accessible deity.

Provenance:
Reputedly found at Bubastis, Egypt, 1887.
Henri Édouard Naville (1844-1926), Switzerland.
Maguid Sameda, Cairo, Egypt, 1938-1946.
(with certificate of authenticity, no. 11416)
Smith Collection, Cambridge, England, 1946.
R.G. Collection, Boca Rotan, Florida, prior to 1994.

Condition Report

Intact as preserved. Inspected under 10x loupe and UV light. The bronze is solid cast. There is a very thin coat of laminate, possibly used as a conservation method to prevent bronze disease and the furthering of surface erosion, as is evident in the photos. Areas of verdigris and surface wear throughout; overall green and cuprite patina. Single rectangular tang under back haunches. Proper right ear is pierced with a single hole and gold hoop earring; earring most likely modern. Modern base made of wood with green felt underneath; the tang sits into the base and is not permanently affixed. Height with base 5 3/4 inches and height with tang 5 1/2 inches.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email conditionreports@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.