Egyptian Bronze Harpokrates Statue - Ptolemaic Period | Ex-Mitry Collection

Step into the world of ancient Egypt with this remarkable Bronze Harpokrates Statue, a piece that encapsulates the religious beliefs and artistic achievements of the Ptolemaic period, circa 332 to 30 BCE. Harpokrates, known as "Her-pa-khered" in Egyptian, translating to "Horus the Child," is depicted in this leaded bronze figurine with the innocence and charm befitting a deity revered across centuries.

The child god sits in a timeless posture of youth and divinity—legs bent, feet firmly set upon a rectangular plinth, embodying the god of silence with his characteristic gesture of a finger to his lips. This silent language speaks volumes about ancient Egyptian iconography, where gods were often portrayed in their infant form, symbolizing a purer, more potent form of their divine power. Such depictions were commonplace from the Third Intermediate Period through to Greco-Roman times, indicating a cultural preference for the youthful over the adult in divine representations.

The detailed craftsmanship of this statue is evident in Harpokrates' youthful features—almond eyes, a slight smile, and the traditional curled sidelock of youth, indicative of royal lineage. Adorning his head is the nemes headcloth, complete with frontal lappets and a uraeus symbolizing kingship. The hemhem crown, an ornate and elaborate headdress, crowns the deity, reflecting the amalgamation of Egyptian and Hellenistic cultural influences during the Ptolemaic dynasty.

This small yet powerful figurine, measuring 0.8" W x 2.6" H (2 cm x 6.6 cm) and standing 3.6" H (9.1 cm) on its custom stand, was likely created as a temple votive. Devotees believed that such effigies of child gods harbored a higher concentration of divine power, making them potent mediums for prayer and protection against malignant forces.

The significance of Harpokrates extends beyond his mythological role; he is a symbol of the enduring legacy of Egyptian religion, as referenced in classical literature by authors such as Pseudo-Hyginus and Ovid. The timeless nature of this piece is further affirmed by its condition, which, despite some loss and surface wear, remains mostly intact. The patina that graces its surface adds to its authenticity, telling a story of its ancient past.

Provenance is key in the journey of this artifact, once part of the collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer in Los Angeles and previously owned by the noted antiquarian Philip Mitry in Egypt before 1951. Such esteemed ownership adds layers of historical and cultural context to this piece, enhancing its allure to collectors and historians alike.

This Egyptian Bronze Harpokrates Statue is not only a work of art but also a vessel of the past, offering a direct link to the spiritual world of ancient Egypt. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, this artifact stands as a testament to the Ptolemaic era's artistic and religious fervor, making it a profound addition to any collection.