Egypt, Romano-Egyptian period, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. A handsome pottery head portion from a Romano-Egyptian sarcophagus lid depicting a highly stylized human face. The expressive visage is defined by almond-shaped eyes outlined in black beneath thin eyebrows, a crested nose, thin lips parted in the center, a prominently protruding chin, deep nasolabial folds, and a broad forehead. Circular ears are presented near either temple, and the cheeks are framed with tall rectangular panels. The verso exhibits a recessed ovoid gap which would have rested atop the interior wooden coffin. Areas of original white and black pigment are still visible across the lid fragment and indicate the lid - and subsequently the rest of the sarcophagus - was at one time painted with bright colors. Size: 14.125" W x 14.5" H (35.9 cm x 36.8 cm); 17.25" H (43.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Anthropoid sarcophagi came from the Egyptian presence in the Levant during the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age and are a unique synthesis of ideologies from the two locations. Earlier examples were formed from hardstones like granite and marble as well as hardwoods like cedar, though later dynastic periods created similar examples by employing materials like cartonnage, hardwoods, and stucco. The Egyptian aesthetic can still be seen on this example; however, the oversized features as well as the use of pottery indicate the stylization characteristic of the Romano-Egyptian period.

Provenance: private Santa Clara, California, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA, October 31st, 2019, lot 18B; ex-private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA; ex-Nomis Antiquities, Van Nuys, California, USA

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#182117

This is a fragment of a larger sarcophagus lid. Professionally repaired with restoration along break lines as well as to chin and lower periphery. Fading to original pigmentation, abrasions in some raised areas, and stabilization to area of verso. Nice traces of original pigment across face.