Ancient Near East, Babylon, ca. 1800 BCE. A wonderful mold-formed buff terracotta relief plaque depicting a bearded male deity, perhaps Nergal, the war god of the underworld and one of the Babylonian deities mentioned in the Bible. He holds a scepter or mace in both hands and presents a masculine square-shouldered torso. His skillfully delineated visage is framed by a long beard and a grand coiffure - both with incised wavy locks. Likely a votive figure made to be kept in a home shrine or altar, this figure is a strong example of classic Mesopotamian visual culture. Nice remains of original white pigment and scattered mineral deposits. Size: 2.75" H (7 cm); 4" H (10.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private prominent New York, USA collection

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#137533

A section with loss to lower end as shown. Normal surface wear with some abrasions. Still a wonderful relief with well-preserved details and nice remains of white pigment. Areas of mineral deposits as well.