click on any object shown in the image
Egyptian
Ptolemaic trial piece relief
c. 305-30 B.C.
Limestone
Height: 12.4 cm
(Stock no 8689)
Sold
The relief depicts the profile of a young Pharaoh wearing a frontal Uraeus – the sacred serpent found on the headdresses of Egyptian rulers and divinities, representing sovereignty.
Trial pieces were most probably ‘scale models’ for large architectural works. They may also be apprentice pieces showing off the skills of young sculptors.
The Ptolemaic period began during the time of Alexander the Great – in the early fourth century BC. Ptolemy 1 was Alexander’s boyhood friend from his hometown of Pella in Macedonia and was later to become one of his most trusted generals.
Provenance:
Acquired from French auction in March 2004. Accompanied by a French passport.
