Bronze Statuette of the Seated Goddess Neith on her Ancient Wood Base

Culture: Egyptian

Period: 26th dynasty, 664-525 B.C.

Material: Bronze, wood

Dimensions: 16.6 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1391

Provenance: Acquired in the 1930s in Egypt. Thence as a gift to an English collector. By descent to the collection J. Pearson, England. Last in the English and US art markets.

Condition: Intact

Description: Very finely worked out and graceful seated statuette of goddess Neith, the main and tutelary deity of Sais. Neith wears the crown of Lower Egypt, which is finely decorated in cold work. Her form fitting gown accentuates her large, round breasts and small hip – a depiction which is typical for the 26th dynasty. She places her clenched fists on her lap, one fist raised, the other one open. The round face with fine features, the mouth is formed to a smile. She wears a multiple-row jewellery around her neck. The statuette sits on an ancient wood base, which possibly is belonging. With a wonderful red-brownish patina. Neith was the goddess of hunting and of war. In the 26th dynasty, the Saite Dynasty, she was considered the highest tutelary deity.