Large Mummy Mask of a Woman

Culture: Egyptian

Period: Roman Period, 1st century A.D.

Material: Linen cartonnage

Dimensions: 46.9 cm high

Price: 16 000 Euro

Ref: 1605

Provenance: Parisian art market 1974. There acquired by a Canadian collection. Thereafter Christie’s New York, 9 December 2010, lot 36. Acquired there by the collection of Erika Krautkrämer (1932-2022). Remained in family ownership until recently.

Condition: The mask is very well preserved in its form. Overpainting and retouching of the face and the wig, such as along the red border. Overall, however, an impressive large mummy mask.

Description: An impressive mummy mask of a woman made of linen cartonnage with polychrome painting over a layer of plaster. The face has a yellowish skin tone and finely drawn eyes with a large black iris, contoured upper eyelids, and elongated makeup lines running parallel to the tapering eyebrows. The mouth is slightly open, forming a friendly smile. The lips and the corners of the nose are painted red. The woman wears a tripartite blue wig with a red border, two strands fall over her shoulders at the front. The ears are exposed. The imposing neck collar is particularly elaborately designed. It comprises ten rows, including bands with rosettes, tongues, and hatched geometric decoration. The lower edge is formed by a continuous row of rosettes. Rising from the sides of the shoulders are dot motifs and hatched rectangles. On the inside, remnants of ancient bitumen used to stabilise the mask are still visible. By coating the inner side, a protective layer was created between the mummy and the embalming oils applied to it, as well as the painted exterior of the mask. An impressive, large example of strong expression. Mounted.