An Egyptian Limestone Relief of Ptolemy II
Ptolemaic Period, Reign of Ptolemy II, 284-246 B.C.
Length 21 1/7 inches (54 cm).

Provenance:
Ancient World Arts, New York, 1980s.
Sotheby's, London, Antiquities, 19 May 1986, Lot 150.
Private Collection, California, 1980s-2022.

Note:
This fragment is carved in sunken relief and records the two principal names of the Greek pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphos, each appearing in a cartouche. Placed beside the cartouches is a sun disk flanked by two cobras and ankhas, which symbolize the Eye of Ra. In ancient Egyptian religion, Ra was the all powerful sun god and the Eye of Ra were four female deities that enacted his power. Using divine imagery such as this for decoration on temples and tombs helped to substantiate Greek rule in ancient Egypt. Under Ptolemy II the empire reached its farthest extent and completed construction on the Lighthouse at Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Height 12 1/8 inches (30.8 cm).