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Egyptian Relief of a Barn Owl.

An exceptionally fine Egyptian limestone relief of a barn owl, 26th Dynasty/Ptolemaic Period, circa 664-30 B.C.

Carved in high relief, depicting the animal in profile with the creature’s head turned to face the viewer. The bird is shown with a triangular, pointed beak, its large round eyes framed by a spray of feathers, the borders of the face, the forehead, the body and the top of the wing delicately carved with minutely detailed plumage. This small masterpiece is the work of a particularly skilled and talented sculptor and is among the finest Egyptian representations of owls in private hands. Late Dynastic and Ptolemaic limestone plaques are undoubtedly the most beautiful ancient Egyptian depictions of owls. They are thought to have been used as sculptor’s models, as well as ex-voto offerings to a solar deity.

With the growing influence of Greek culture in Egypt from the 26th Dynasty and the accession of the Ptolemies to the Egyptian throne, the symbolic significance of the owl began to change. The arrival of the cult of Athena was likely a contributing factor to this shift in perspective. The owl was indeed considered the sacred animal and symbol of the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who was identified with the creator-goddess Neith in Egypt. It was perhaps the owl’s ability to see in the dark, and therefore to perceive things that diurnal beings cannot, which inspired the ancients to associate the bird with Athena. Like the Greek goddess, the owl came to represent sagacity and knowledge – a symbolism which survives to this day.

Height: 7.5 cm (3 inches)

Provenance:

From the collection of art collector and museum benefactor Walter Percy Chrysler Jr. (1909-1988).

Subsequently in the collection of Robert Deitrick, Pennsylvania, gifted by the previous in the 1970s.





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The BADA Standard

  • Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
  • Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
  • Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
  • Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
  • Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Click here for more information on the BADA Standard