Third Intermediate-Late Period, 1069-332 BC. A carved quartzite fragment, possibly a profile royal bust with rim of the headdress to the brow; mounted on a custom-made stand. 284 grams, 12cm (4 3/4"). Property of a Connecticut, USA, collector; formerly with M. A. Ryun, Dallas, Texas, USA, before 1980. The Late Period is often described as the last great flowering of native Egyptian art, and one that encouraged the refinement of previous styles. Art of the Late Period took inspiration from earlier eras such as the Old Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, but the artists were allowed freer expression. More realistic statuary was created and fine work was done in metals, gold, silver, and bronze. Mortuary rituals continued to be observed in more or less the same way they always had been, and the religious beliefs of Egypt were maintained. Even under Persian rule, there was no disruption in Egyptian religion - contrary to the claims made by Herodotus and other Greek writers - and the Persians, in fact, encouraged Egyptian culture and religion. Far from a dark period of oppression and decline, the Late Period was an era of great achievement and saw a renewal of Egyptian nationalism and pride in their attempts to throw off Persian rule and regain autonomy.

Fine condition.