Egyptian art - statue & relief sculpture of Horus + rampant lion on reverse side

Horus

Rare double sided relief carving
Dimensions :-
Height - 15.2 cm / 6 inches
Width - 14.5 cm / 5-3/4 inches
Depth - 3.2 cm / 1-1/4 inches

Statue
Dimensions :-
Height - 7.6 cm / 3 inches
Length - 7.7 / 3 inches approx.
Width - 3 cm / 1-1/8 inches
Amulet
Dimensions - 4cm x 4cm x 1cm / 1-1/2 inches x 1-1/2 inches



Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone the two largest pieces have aged patinas and the amulet has hand painted details.

This is a special pair of artifact replicas feature the Egyptian god Horus in both 2 and 3 dimensional forms.
Included in this set is a rare double sided relief replica and a small detailed statue.
This pairing offers a striking and thought provoking display. It is pleasing to the eye to see the contrast of the Horus figure against the relief.

The double sided relief slab features the sky god Horus in falcon form standing upon the Nebu glyph. The Nebu glyph is the symbol for gold and is formed from a collar with draping strands and spines or droplets radiating from the base of the central curve.
This combination of imagery thus reads 'Golden Horus' which was a title given to Old Kingdom kings. This title was revived for the late period kings of which this replica dates from.
On the reverse side can be seen the early stages of a sculptor's equivalent to a sketch on the back. A charming image of a rampant lion has been formed with chisel marks still present around the image confirming this whole block was a sculptors model and a very good one.

These were practice pieces and used to teach others how to carve during the Ptolemaic period of Egyptian history - 305-30 B.C.E. They also served as a votive talisman to connect to the god featured.
The Ptolemaic period is renowned for consistent highly detailed carvings that covered the columns and temple walls from one end of Egypt to the other. With masterpieces such as this to carry around, it is not hard to imagine artists moving around with a very practical tool to teach others this specialist art form.

The Horus figure is typical of the varieties made during the Ptolemaic period and has a nice form with attention given to feather and claw detailing.