Antiquities & Ancient Art: Including Property from the Brummer Collection

Provenance: 

Charles Haumont Collection, Brussels, 1980.

Stephen Vay Collection, Paris, 2013.

Galerie Cybele, Paris, prior to 2019.

Acquired by the present owner from the above, 17 March 2019.

Exhibited: 

Netherlands, Maastricht, The European Fine Art Fair, 16-24 March 2019.

Published:

H. Loffet, La Collection Emmacha. Antiquites Egyptiennes. Tome 1: Les shabtys et ouchebtys. Tome 2: Objets divers, Paris, 2013, Tome 2, p. 244-245, no. 170.

In the realm of Egyptian art, this faience canopic jar lid emerges as a remarkable testament to ancient craftsmanship. Its authenticity is underscored by its unique attributes, notably the representation of a Papio hamadryas baboon, distinguished by intricately rendered ears and stylized hair. The lid's adornment, including a multi-rowed necklace with drop-shaped pendants, is a distinctive feature rarely found in comparable objects. The presence of a faience maker's mark, strategically placed to aid illiterate users, further supports its importance and rarity. Expert assessments, including Charles Loffet's careful study, align the piece with the 19th dynasty or the Third Intermediate Period. Noteworthy parallels can be drawn to similar representations from the 21st-22nd Dynasty, particularly in the depiction of the baboon's tufts of hair. The exceptional quality of the faience, evidenced by its color, texture, and glaze, places this object among the finest productions of its time. Its superior craftsmanship suggests that its original owner likely belonged to the elite echelons of Ancient Egyptian society. For a similar canopic jar lid, see E. Jomard (ed.), Description de l'Égypte: ou, Recueil des observations et des recherches qui ont été faites en Égypte pendant l'expédition de l'armée française, Vol. 2, Paris, 1812, pl. 8.