Block Statue of a Priest

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Late period, 664-332 B.C.

Material: Granodiorite

Dimensions: 19.8 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 1538

Provenance: German collection prior to 1993. Thence with the auction house Lempertz in 1993. There acquired by the collection Erika Krautkrämer (1932-2022).

Condition: Unrestored, wear as seen on the photographs.

Description: Heavy granodiorite so-called block statue of a priest. The priest squatting with his knees drawn up to his chest is covered in a form-fitting vestment, which cascades on the sides and gives the statue its cube-shape. His arms are crossed on the raised knees. Over his right hand a depiction of Osiris as the god of the dead with the crown of Upper Egypt. The head with a straight wig, with protruding ears, is slightly raised, the gaze towards the gods. The statue is extensively inscribed with hieroglyphs, which are partially rubbed. The most beautifully preserved inscription is on the back pillar, where four columns are diligently engraved at the back and on the sides. The text is about an offering phrase mentioning Osiris, the god of the dead, as well as the title of the depicted: “God father of Anubis”. The type of the block statue was especially used during the Late Period for the depiction of male dignitaries – but not for pharaohs – because of its cost effective and less technically complex production. Furthermore, the polished areas offered a lot of space for inscriptions. Mounted.