Statuette of a Seated Cat

Statuette of a Seated Cat

Late Period, 722-332 BC

Egypt

Bronze
13.5 cm High x 5.8 cm x 8.4 cm

2018.010.736

Cats, in ancient Egypt, were not just pets but symbols of Bastet, the goddess of fertility and protection. The popularity of Bastet’s cult from the Late Period to the Ptolemaic Period led to the creation of a large number of seated cat statuettes. This cat is seated with head held erect and tail curled to the right. Her expression is attentive with ears slightly back. These features express the essence of a cat being dignified and aware. The left ear of the cat was pierced and wears a modern gold earring.

The statuette was once part of the Capitant collection and was purchased by Georges Ricard for the Senusret Collection on 21-22 May 1977 in Avignon, France at the Hotel des Ventes d’Avignon: Exceptionnelle grande vente aux enchères publique: Meubles, objets d’art, lot number 47. 

Gift of the Georges Ricard Foundation

Parallels and References:
Museum of Fine Arts Boston 53.2385
Leiden, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden AB 166