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A very large Ancient Egyptian polychrome painted half sarcophagus lid, dating to approximately 600 B.C. and mounted in a modern frame.
The piece is of typical construction, with flat cedar wood back providing support, on top of which lies the fabric and plaster layer known as cartonnage, which was used by the ancient Egyptians for decorating funerary art.
The depiction is thus that of the deceased, who is shown with heavily idealized features. The face is well modeled with fleshy, gently smiling lips, small nose, elegant eyebrows and bronze inlaid eyes, themselves inlaid with white and black glass representing the sclera and pupils. The deceased is depicted mummiform, wearing the striated tripartite wig, the front of which pushes the ears forward, and an elaborate ornamental collar, decorated with fly, lotus flower, rosette and cross-hatch motif. A stylized scarab beetle adorns the top of the head, its wings spread outward in protection.
Height, including modern frame: 48 inches.
Height of sarcophagus: 33 inches.
Depth from nose to back of sarcophagus: 7 inches.
Condition: Restoration to the right lower wig and approximately a third of the ornamental collar.
Provenance: Ex. Illinois private collection, acquired 1980's.
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