Romano-Egyptian Silver Harpokrates - 1st Century BCE to 1st Century CE | Royal Athena Galleries

Delve into the ancient Roman-Egyptian period with this exquisite silver figure of Harpokrates, a deity revered for his symbolism of silence and secrets. Crafted between the 1st Century BCE and the 1st Century CE, this artifact embodies the intricate fusion of Egyptian and Greco-Roman art.

Embrace the profound history of Roman Egypt with this captivating silver figure of Harpokrates. Standing at 66mm in height and weighing 40.7 grams with a silver quality of 85.5%, this artifact is a testament to the fusion of Egyptian and Roman artistic traditions. Harpokrates, known in Egyptian mythology as the child god Horus, is depicted in his characteristic pose, with a finger to his lips, a gesture originally signifying childhood but later reinterpreted by the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of silence and secrecy.

The god's portrayal in this figure is nuanced, highlighting his youth with a nude form, save for a draped panther skin over his left shoulder and a crested headdress — elements that allude to his divine lineage as the son of Isis and Osiris. The contrapposto stance, a staff, and a cornucopia held in his arm, illustrate the syncretism of Egyptian deities with Hellenistic styles, a hallmark of the Ptolemaic period's artistry.

This figure, once part of the esteemed collection at Royal Athena Galleries in New York, was later auctioned at Bonham's in London, UK, in October 2003. Its condition is remarkable, with expected weathering and a liberal remaining detail, coupled with a light patina that adds character to its millennia-long history. The custom stand accompanying this piece ensures it remains a focal point of any collection, continuing its legacy of myth and mystery.