A Black Diorite Torso of a Man , Ptolemaic Period, circa 305-30 B.C.

from a lifesize striding figure, wearing a garment comprising a round-necked shirt and a long cloak falling from the left shoulder and held by the left hand (now missing) before him, the inscription on the back pillar erased in antiquity.

acquired between 1957 and 1972

As shown, note superficial abrading and pitting in abdomen area, lesser abrasions elsewhere, back in similar condition to front but back pillar is extensively damaged
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For related examples see the early Ptolemaic granite statue of Horsitutu in Berlin (F. von Bissing, Denkmäler ägyptischer Skulptur, Munich, 1914, pl. 108B, and R.S. Bianchi and R.A. Fazzini, Cleopatra's Egypt: Age of the Ptolemies, Brooklyn, New York, 1988, p. 125, cat. 31, and color pl. V), and the late Ptolemaic basalt figure of Horsihor in Cairo (L. Borchhardt, Statuen und Statuetten von Königen und Privatleuten im Museum von Cairo, Berlin, 1930, pp. 39-40, pl. 128, and Cleopatra of Egypt, from History to Myth, S. Walker and P. Higgs, eds, London, 2001, pp. 182-183, no. 190).  Also compare the granite statue of Herybastet, known as the Isis Casati, which may have been brought to Rome in antiquity (Bianchi and Fazzini, op cit., cat. 30, and Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, December 11th, 1980, no. 306).

About the statue of Horsihor Edna R. Russmann writes: "Horsihor's long narrow body is wrapped in a cloak, which went round the hips and over the left shoulder and apparently had to be held in place with the left hand... The cloak resembles a toga. It was purely Egyptian, however, and had been worn since at least the beginning of the Ptolemaic Period. The T-shirtlike garment underneath goes back even further. With the costume of its day, the Greek-inspired texture of its hair, and its mesmeric gaze, Horsihor's figure is entirely a product of its time. Yet, being Egyptian, its time encompassed all that had gone before. So much in this statue... represents the living heritage, continually renewed and handed on, over thousands of years" (Egyptian Sculpture: Cairo and Luxor, Austin, Texas, 1989, p. 203).

For Denys Sutton see note to lot 15