catalog text
RARE PAIR OF PATINATED BRONZE EGYPTIAN BUSTS OF ISIS AND RAMSES II
Circa third quarter of the 19th century, unsigned
Item # 609GPF25X
A simply exquisite pair of Egyptian Revival bronze busts of Isis and Ramses II, the powerful couple boast the iconic head bands, Isis with a bird and Ramses II with a coiled snake. Pierre Eugéne Emilé Hébert (French, 1823-1893) sculpted a pair of noteworthy similarity cast by the foundry of Georges Emile Henri Servant, but the present pair have a distinctly different vision of Ramses II while lending Isis an air of pride and power and are unmarked. The casting quality is simply exceptional, surfaces exhibiting perfect detailing and chiseling under the original black patina. Both figures are raised over a gilded plinth and raised over a base simulating the pyramids: the faceted slate base is etched with a complex bird with wings outstretched, raising over cove molding a breche d’alep bricked facade with faint hieroglyphs mirrored on either side of a centered black plaque, this with a winged serpent inside of an etched border with floral stylized spandrels.
For the serious collector of rare and fine sculpture, this is a most outstanding acquisition.
Measurements: 16 1/4” H x 7” W x 4 3/4” D (black patinated figure 7” H)
Condition Report:
Very minor chip losses to black slate bases. Oxidization to gilding. Some fading of gilt highlights in slate.