Egypt, Third Intermediate to Late Dynastic Period, 25th to 26th Dynasty, ca. 712 to 525 BCE. A stunning standing bronze depiction of Nefertum created using the lost wax casting technique. The son of Ptah and god of perfumes and unguents, Nefertum is depicted atop an integral rectangular plinth in a striding position with his left leg forward, with an erect back and arms hanging at his sides. He dons a pleated royal kilt around his waist, with a braided beard and striated tripartite wig with accompanying frontal uraeus adorning his slender head. An ornate, lotus-form headdress stands atop the wig, with menets flanking either lateral side and surmounted by streaked plumes. An integral suspension loop rests on the upper area of verso, and finely-stylized facial features imbue a sense of humanity to an otherwise mythological deity. Enveloped in chocolate, russet, citrine, and emerald hued patina, this is an exquisite example of Egyptian bronzework! Comes with museum-quality display stand. Size: 7.75" H (19.7 cm); 9.625" H (24.4 cm) on included custom stand.

The name ‘Nefertum’ literally translates to “one who does not close,” indicative of the ever-blooming lotus flower constituting his crown. It is fitting, then, that Nefertum is primarily associated with fine-smelling perfumes and other beauty-enhancing substances, perhaps as an allegorical reference to the sweet scent emitted by a blossoming lotus flower.

Interestingly, both the lotus flower and the demiurge Ptah are symbolically associated with the cycle of life, death, resurrection, and rebirth. This integral relationship is important with regards to Nefertum wearing a lotus flower crown, and posits a two-fold symbolic interpretation: that Nefertum himself as a deity will in essence never die; and that the cycle of life and death itself is an unceasing process (hence, “one who does not close”).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Sotheby’s Parke-Bernet, April 24, 1970 (illustrated). Acquired at the above sale by the father and by descent to the present owner.

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#130849

Repair and minor restoration to legs with light overpainting along break lines around the knees. Expected age-commensurate surface wear, with small nicks to face, limbs, base, and crown. Light fading to crown and facial details, otherwise intact and near choice. Fantastic brown, russet, citrine, and green patina as well as light earthen deposits throughout.