Osiris

Culture: Ancient Egyptian
Period: Late Period, 664–332 BCE
Date: 664–332 BCE
Material: Bronze with lapis lazuli inlay
from: Egypt, Africa
Classification: Metalwork, sculpture
Collection: Ancient Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 313
Dimensions: height: 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm)
Credit Line: Museum Purchase
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 224:1924

NOTES

The tall, feathered crown, mummy-like pose, and crook and flail in his hands identify this figure as Osiris, god of the dead. According to ancient belief, Osiris, first king of Egypt, was murdered by his brother and then resurrected by Isis. Thus, he became the main deity of the afterlife. The small hole at the center of the statue’s forehead once held a protective cobra called a uraeus.

Provenance

Stoclet Collection, Brussels, Belgium [1]

- 1924
Feuardant Frères, Paris, France

1924 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Feuardant Frères [2]

Notes:
[1] Inventory list (undated) from Rollin & Feuardant, 4, Rue de Louvois, Paris, states the object came from the Stoclet collection [SLAM document files].

[2] See note [1]. See Invoice dated July 23, 1924 and Consular Certificate dated August 28, 1924 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 5, 1924.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.