Minimally emerging from a decorative block of tawny-flecked alabaster, the forms of this ram are both powerful and true to nature. The sculptor has concentrated his attention  More »

Minimally emerging from a decorative block of tawny-flecked alabaster, the forms of this ram are both powerful and true to nature. The sculptor has concentrated his attention on the tall, powerful legs which support a foreshortened body from which rises a majestically detailed head. The snout, eyes, and horns are clearly articulated, and the head is prominently raised and set off from the body. The overall aesthetic sensibility of this finely-polished work of art is utterly modern and charming On the basis of its material, style, and dimensions, this ram can be assigned to the Sabaean Culture which flourished in the Arabian Peninsula contemporary with the civilization of the Roman Empire. The Sabaeans had a predilection for animal sculpture but their repertoire generally consists of depictions of both the ibex and bull. Free-standing representations of other animals, such as our ram, are exceeding rare and exceptional; there were no rams of this type featured in the recent touring exhibition of the ancient art of Yemen.   « Less

Our stylized, nude female figure is possessed of an inherent monumentality despite her diminutive size. She kneels and cradles with her left arm an infant whom she nurses by  More »

Our stylized, nude female figure is possessed of an inherent monumentality despite her diminutive size. She kneels and cradles with her left arm an infant whom she nurses by offering her breast with the hand of her right arm which lies across her chest beneath her right breast. The design of her stylized arms is consistent with the triangular shape of her head characterized by a prominent nose, which is the stylistic hallmark of such fecundity figures. Her child is depicted in strict profile to the left which attention paid to his leg, torso, arm, and head, although these, in keeping with the abstract nature of such representations, are designed without attention to anatomical detail. Most of the examples of the type are in painted, baked clay and are typically depicted seated on the ground with their knees raised in the air and their arms folded across their chest, the hands often encircling their breasts. Examples in stone are infrequent, and group statuettes of woman and child, such as our example, are virtually unattested.   « Less

Origin: Egypt Circa: 3 rd Century AD to 5 th Century AD Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 3.125" (7.9cm) wide Collection: Egyptian Style: Coptic Medium: Vellum The term  More »

Origin: Egypt Circa: 3 rd Century AD to 5 th Century AD Dimensions: 4" (10.2cm) high x 3.125" (7.9cm) wide Collection: Egyptian Style: Coptic Medium: Vellum The term "Copt" originally referred to the native Egyptians, as opposed to the Greek or Arab invaders. While later "Copt" became a religious designation referring to Christian Egyptians, the Coptic period is defined as the first millennium of the Christian era, when Christianity thrived in Egypt. Ideally situation at the join of three continents, Coptic artists drew inspiration from the many influences: the forms and motifs of ancient Egypt, classical and Hellenistic Greece and Rome, Near Eastern art; and contemporary life in the Nile Valley. Although Coptic art is generally associated with Christianity, many of its motifs are distinctly non-Christian, such as Bacchanal scenes, pastoral compositions inspired by classical poetry, and groups of nereids and maenads frequently represented on textiles. The style of Coptic art evolved from the late antique art of Egypt, retaining Greek and Roman influences. Economic conditions doubtless played a major role in the emergence of a freer, more popular style of art; the lack of an extensive patronage system is evident in many aspects of Coptic art, the emphasis on more personal, less monumental art, the avoidance of costly materials, and the dearth of skilled craftsmen with extensive training among them. The stylistic tendencies of Coptic art move away from a naturalistic rendering of the human form and features. Outline and detail are simplified, and the number of motifs is limited.   « Less

the highly stylised ram features a short thick tail, bulging eyes, and a low hump between the prominent forward-curving horns. - (LA.553)Origin: Syria Circa: 3000 BC to  More »

the highly stylised ram features a short thick tail, bulging eyes, and a low hump between the prominent forward-curving horns. - (LA.553)Origin: Syria Circa: 3000 BC to 2000 BC Dimensions: 12.5" (31.8cm) high Collection: Biblical Antiquities Medium: Calcite   « Less

Origin: Israel Circa: 900 AD to 1300 AD Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high x 7.50" (19.1cm) wide Collection: Biblical Antiquities Medium: Bronze

Origin: Israel Circa: 900 AD to 1300 AD Dimensions: 4.75" (12.1cm) high x 7.50" (19.1cm) wide Collection: Biblical Antiquities Medium: Bronze   « Less

Coptic textile fragment - sp.024 Origin: Egypt Circa: 300 AD to 600 AD Collection: Coptic Medium: Textile

Coptic textile fragment - sp.024 Origin: Egypt Circa: 300 AD to 600 AD Collection: Coptic Medium: Textile   « Less

Origin: Israel Circa: 600 AD to 900 ADDimensions: 5.25" (13.3cm) high Collection: Biblical Medium: Earthenware

Origin: Israel Circa: 600 AD to 900 ADDimensions: 5.25" (13.3cm) high Collection: Biblical Medium: Earthenware   « Less

Origin: Egypt Circa: 1500 BC to 1100 BC Dimensions: 2.80" (7.1cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Style: New Kingdom Medium: Wood and  More »

Origin: Egypt Circa: 1500 BC to 1100 BC Dimensions: 2.80" (7.1cm) high x 3.75" (9.5cm) wide Collection: Egyptian Antiquities Style: New Kingdom Medium: Wood and Paint For ancient Egyptians, appearance was an important issue. Appearance indicated a person’s status, role in a society or political significance. Like modern hairstyles, Egyptian hairstyles varied over time. During the Old Kingdom, hair was usually worn short. Some shaved their heads and then wore a wig when going to social events or for protection from the sun. During the New Kingdom Period, the style was to wear the hair longer and sometimes braided. Children’s heads were shaved, except for a braid on the left side, until they hit puberty. Combs of the New Kingdom were either single or double-sided and made from wood or bone. The hot dry atmosphere in Egypt helps to preserve wood that was normally imported from other countries. Traces of red paint are still visible on this comb. Some of them were finely made with long grips. Combs have been found among early tomb goods, even those dating from Predynastic times. This comb may have been part of a funeral equipment. - (BF.125)   « Less

Zoomorphic vessel, the spout shaped as a bull's head and neck, while the water filling opening a double conic slightly bent cylinder with everted rim. The body cylindrical  More »

Zoomorphic vessel, the spout shaped as a bull's head and neck, while the water filling opening a double conic slightly bent cylinder with everted rim. The body cylindrical with applied legs. - (LO.851)Origin: Israel Circa: 400 AD to 600 AD Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high x 8.25" (21.0cm) wide Collection: Biblical Antiquities Style: Byzantine Medium: Buff Earthenware   « Less

Origin: Israel Circa: 3000 BC to 2000 BC Dimensions: 1.5" (3.8cm) high x 2.75" (7.0cm) wide Collection: Biblical Medium: Bronze

Origin: Israel Circa: 3000 BC to 2000 BC Dimensions: 1.5" (3.8cm) high x 2.75" (7.0cm) wide Collection: Biblical Medium: Bronze   « Less