A Large Bronze and Wood Figure of an Ibis, possibly Late Period Egyptian, 716-30 B.C, in whole or in part

with finely cast head, the recessed circular eyes with tear ducts indicated, long slender legs with carefully-engraved crosshatched markings, and engraved tail feathers, the wood body pieced together leaving an internal cavity and painted mostly in cream over a layer of white gesso.

 

Jeanne Raguin, Chalet France, 194 Avenue de la Liberté, Golfe-Juan, France
Arthur Cohen and Elaine Lustig Cohen, New York, acquired from the above in 1966

Head slightly worn, cracks to paint on body, all stable and fairly minor. It is not clear whether the elements originally belonged together, and which ones are ancient and which ones aren't. See lot note for more information.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sotheby's scientific research department investigated the structure and composition of the sculpture using a combination of methods used in museums to examine similar objects.

X-radiography revealed a pieced construction of the wooden body with a hollow cavity, but did not indicate foreign material within the cavity. Computed  tomography (CT) imaging, would be necessary to further elucidate interior components of the sculpture.)

The wooden body of sculpture has been covered with gesso and painted.  Small scattered fills and retouching are evident in ultraviolet light.

The Ibis head, tail, and legs appear to be solid cast using a lost-wax process, and parts may have been reinforced with cold working. Fine lines have been incised in the tail and leg pieces, in a herringbone and cross-hatched pattern respectively.

Elemental analysis of the metal using XRF identified a primary composition of copper with a small percentage of iron and lead. Trace tin and nickel were also detected in the composition.  In other words, the metal is a copper alloy.