About the Work

This grauwacke bust represents a high-ranking governor of Saïs and dates to the second half of the 26th Dynasty (c. 595–525 BC). Shown bare-chested in a hieratic posture, the figure displays refined facial features, a smooth bag-shaped wig, and a finely polished surface.

The inscribed dorsal pillar refers to Saïs and the goddess Neith, confirming the political and religious importance of the subject and situating the work within the Saite artistic renaissance.

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Provenance

Probably originally from the Temple of Neith in Sais.
In the collection of commander Sir John Francis Whitaker Maitland (1903-1977).
Sold at Sotheby’s London, 30 April 1935, described under lot 24.
Documented by Sir Alan Gardiner for his personal archives on the occasion of that sale.
Collection of Dr F., Switzerland, from the 1960s.
Then passed down by descent until 2024, Parisian private collection.