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Statue of a Cat
Egyptian
Late Period, dynasty 26–Ptolemaic Dynasty
664–30 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Wood
Dimensions
Overall: 57.9 cm (22 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated anonymously
Accession Number2008.170
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionThis is a substantial wooden statue of a cat and comprises two pieces of wood originally pegged together, now separate. There are tangs beneath the paws and rump for the purpose of supporting the statue in a mount.
Provenance1888, sold at Alexandria [see note 1]. Late 19th century, acquired by Edward Towry Whyte (b. 1847 - d. 1932) and his nephew, William Palin Elderton (b. 1877 - d. 1962), London [see note 2]; by descent within the family to Elderton's granddaughter, Mrs. Belinda Kirby; October 18, 2005, sale (consigned by Belinda Kirby), Christie's, London, lot 94, sold to Peter and Leonora Petrou, London; 2008, sold by Peter and Leonora Petrou to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 25, 2008)
NOTES:
[1] A distressed, typed label on the wooden plinth reads, "found at Bu[bastis?] …many years…sold with other property of…Alexandria in 1888." [2] According to information in the 2005 Christie's catalogue, the collection was formed in the 19th century. Portions of it were dispersed in 1932, in the 1950s, and in 1996.
NOTES:
[1] A distressed, typed label on the wooden plinth reads, "found at Bu[bastis?] …many years…sold with other property of…Alexandria in 1888." [2] According to information in the 2005 Christie's catalogue, the collection was formed in the 19th century. Portions of it were dispersed in 1932, in the 1950s, and in 1996.