FRAGMENTARY HEAD OF PTAH Serpentine H. 8 x W.6 x D.4 cm Egypt, Late Period, circa 664-525 BC Provenance Former private collection, Spain, prior to 1980 Former M. Koening Collection, Brussels Fragment of a serpentine votive statuette representing the head of the god Ptah, a major creative divinity in the Egyptian pantheon and patron saint of craftsmen. The finely sculpted face displays the idealised features typical of Egyptian divine iconography: almond-shaped eyes with thick, well-modelled eyelids, finely incised arched eyebrows, a straight, slender nose, a mouth with full lips and a slight archaic smile, and a rounded chin. The skull is smooth and bare, suggesting either a shaved head or a tight-fitting skullcap (characteristic of Ptah in his anthropomorphic form). The slightly protruding ears are finely modelled, with the pinna and lobe indicated. The neck, partially preserved, shows a precise anatomy with the relief of the sternocleidomastoid muscle suggested. Ptah was represented in human form, wrapped in a tight shroud like a mummy, wearing a skullcap and holding a composite sceptre. Votive statuettes of Ptah were offered in temples, particularly in Memphis, his sacred city, and in Thebes. Excellent condition for a fragment. Beautifully polished surface, well preserved. Natural green-black serpentine patina with characteristic emerald-green areas of oxidation. Old break at the neck. A few micro-chips and light mineral concretions. A Late Period Serpentine Fragmentary Head of Ptah. c. 664-525 BCE. Fragment of votive statuette in serpentine representing the head of god Ptah, major creator deity of Egyptian pantheon and patron of artisans. The sculpture presents work of exceptional quality, characteristic of Late Period artistic renaissance. The face, finely carved, presents idealized features typical of Egyptian divine iconography: almond-shaped eyes with thick well-modeled eyelids, finely incised arched eyebrows, straight elongated nose, mouth with full lips sketching slight archaic smile, rounded chin. The expression is serene and majestic, reflecting divine serenity. The skull is smooth and bare, suggesting either shaved head or wearing of tight-fitting cap (characteristic of Ptah in anthropomorphic form). Ears, slightly protruding, are finely modeled with indication of pavilion and lobe. Neck, partially preserved, shows precise anatomy with suggested sternocleidomastoid muscle relief. Ptah was represented in human form, wrapped in tight shroud like mummy, wearing cap, and holding composite scepter. Votive statuettes of Ptah were offered in temples, particularly in Memphis, his sacred city, and in Thebes. Excellent condition for fragment. Magnificently polished surface well preserved. Natural green-black serpentine patina with characteristic emerald green oxidation areas. Ancient break at neck level. Some micro-chips and slight mineral concretions.