**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Egypt, Late Period, 26th Dynasty, ca. 590 to 530 BCE. An impressive siltstone statue of Osiris, the god of fertility, agriculture, and the afterlife, protected by the wings of his sister and lover, the goddess Isis. Standing in his traditional mummiform pose with a feathered atef-crown, Osiris wears a false beard while grasping a crook and flail in each hand which lie across his chest. Isis's plumed wings envelop his body, her arms resting beside each of his shoulders, supporting his image, as her feet are shown behind. Remains of a petite plaque can be seen in front of Osiris, which likely previously spelled out his name in hieroglyphs. During the 26th Dynasty, donors seeking favors presented votive statues of deities in temples. The artist's great skill is evident in the smooth, rounded forms and the level of detail carved into the hard stone. This statue was likely created as an offering to Isis. Size: 2.9" L x 1.4" W x 6.3" H (7.4 cm x 3.6 cm x 16 cm)

Isis is often associated with the funerary cults and the afterlife, as she was thought to guard the liver of a deceased person at the time of judgment. She is also known as a protector of children. In addition to being revered as the ideal mother and wife, Isis was revered as the patroness of magic and nature, a supporter of sinners, slaves, and artisans as well as a friend to rulers and the wealthy.

According to the University of Southern California West Semitic Research Project, "Isis, along with her husband and brother, Osiris, was most often associated with the funerary cult and the afterlife. Together with three other goddesses, she was thought to guard the internal organs of a deceased person at the time of judgment. Isis, Osiris, and Horus were especially worshipped at the city of Abydos, but reverence for all of them was widespread."

Cf. British Museum (EA1162), the Walters Art Museum (22.199), and the Israel Museum (97.63.60).

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Provenance: ex-private Orange, California, USA collection; ex-Phillip Mitry collection, noted dealer in Cairo, Egypt until about 1951 when he emigrated to the United States

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#176991

Missing upper body and right arm of Isis, as well as front right corner or plinth. Nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout. Nice remaining detail and earthen deposits in recessed areas.