Egyptian Gilt Cartonnage Mummy Mask 1st Century BC
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AN EGYPTIAN GILT CARTONNAGE MUMMY MASK
LATE PTOLEMAIC TO EARLY ROMAN PERIOD, CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
17 ½ in. (44.4 cm.) high
PROVENANCE (SOLD THRU CHRISTIES TWICE!)
Private Collection, London, acquired 1950s; thence by descent.
The Property of a Lady; Antiquities, Christie’s, London, 6 December 2016, lot 16.
Private Collection, Germany, acquired from the above; thence by descent to the current owner.
A Journey Through the Golden Veil: The Egyptian Gilt Cartonnage Mummy Mask
Imagine standing at the threshold of a world where the sacred and the eternal intertwine, where the divine gleams through the sands of time. Before you lies a remarkable artifact—a gilt cartonnage mummy mask, its gold surface shimmering like the sun over the Nile, a testament to the ancient Egyptian quest for immortality.
Dating from the Late Ptolemaic to the Early Roman Period, circa 1st century B.C. to 1st century A.D., this exquisite mask serves as a bridge between two eras, embodying the grandeur of both ancient Egyptian artistry and the influences of the Hellenistic world. The mask, crafted from layers of linen and plaster, meticulously shaped to fit over the head of the deceased, is more than just a funerary ornament—it is a sacred vessel, designed to protect the spirit on its journey to the afterlife.
The gilt surface, once burnished to a dazzling luster, was meant to evoke the radiance of the sun god Ra, a divine force that would guide the soul through the perilous realms of the underworld. The face it bears is serene, idealized, with wide eyes that seem to gaze into eternity. The craftsmanship is immaculate, with delicate features that speak of both the individual and the divine essence within them.
What makes this mask particularly exciting is not just its beauty, but the profound symbolism embedded in every detail. The gold symbolizes eternity and divine protection, while the meticulously painted eyes and brows are designed to ensure the deceased could see and navigate the afterlife. The cartonnage itself, a composite material of linen or papyrus soaked in plaster, is both lightweight and durable, allowing for intricate detailing while also preserving the features of the deceased for eternity.
As you gaze upon this mask, you are not just looking at an ancient relic; you are witnessing a moment frozen in time, a glimpse into the beliefs, artistry, and profound spirituality of a civilization that thrived over two millennia ago. This mask is a testament to the Egyptian mastery of funerary art, a golden veil that once bridged the gap between life and the afterlife, and now, between the past and the present.
In the presence of this extraordinary artifact, one can almost hear the whispers of ancient prayers, feel the weight of history, and sense the undying hope of a people who believed in the power of eternity. The Egyptian gilt cartonnage mummy mask is not merely an object; it is a story, a symbol, and a connection to the eternal.
LATE PTOLEMAIC TO EARLY ROMAN PERIOD, CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
17 ½ in. (44.4 cm.) high
PROVENANCE (SOLD THRU CHRISTIES TWICE!)
Private Collection, London, acquired 1950s; thence by descent.
The Property of a Lady; Antiquities, Christie’s, London, 6 December 2016, lot 16.
Private Collection, Germany, acquired from the above; thence by descent to the current owner.
A Journey Through the Golden Veil: The Egyptian Gilt Cartonnage Mummy Mask
Imagine standing at the threshold of a world where the sacred and the eternal intertwine, where the divine gleams through the sands of time. Before you lies a remarkable artifact—a gilt cartonnage mummy mask, its gold surface shimmering like the sun over the Nile, a testament to the ancient Egyptian quest for immortality.
Dating from the Late Ptolemaic to the Early Roman Period, circa 1st century B.C. to 1st century A.D., this exquisite mask serves as a bridge between two eras, embodying the grandeur of both ancient Egyptian artistry and the influences of the Hellenistic world. The mask, crafted from layers of linen and plaster, meticulously shaped to fit over the head of the deceased, is more than just a funerary ornament—it is a sacred vessel, designed to protect the spirit on its journey to the afterlife.
The gilt surface, once burnished to a dazzling luster, was meant to evoke the radiance of the sun god Ra, a divine force that would guide the soul through the perilous realms of the underworld. The face it bears is serene, idealized, with wide eyes that seem to gaze into eternity. The craftsmanship is immaculate, with delicate features that speak of both the individual and the divine essence within them.
What makes this mask particularly exciting is not just its beauty, but the profound symbolism embedded in every detail. The gold symbolizes eternity and divine protection, while the meticulously painted eyes and brows are designed to ensure the deceased could see and navigate the afterlife. The cartonnage itself, a composite material of linen or papyrus soaked in plaster, is both lightweight and durable, allowing for intricate detailing while also preserving the features of the deceased for eternity.
As you gaze upon this mask, you are not just looking at an ancient relic; you are witnessing a moment frozen in time, a glimpse into the beliefs, artistry, and profound spirituality of a civilization that thrived over two millennia ago. This mask is a testament to the Egyptian mastery of funerary art, a golden veil that once bridged the gap between life and the afterlife, and now, between the past and the present.
In the presence of this extraordinary artifact, one can almost hear the whispers of ancient prayers, feel the weight of history, and sense the undying hope of a people who believed in the power of eternity. The Egyptian gilt cartonnage mummy mask is not merely an object; it is a story, a symbol, and a connection to the eternal.
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