Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Head with White Crown | Composite Sculpture on Hardwood Stand | Circa 20th Century

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Egyptian Revival; place of manufacture unrecorded
Material: Cast composite material with grey stone-effect finish, affixed to a tiered dark hardwood stand
Period: Likely 20th century

Description

A substantial modern Egyptian Revival sculptural model representing the head of an Egyptian pharaoh wearing the tall White Crown, or hedjet, traditionally associated with Upper Egypt.

The ruler is presented with idealized, symmetrical facial features, including elongated almond-shaped eyes, a straight nose, gently smiling lips, prominent ears, and a calm, timeless expression. A raised frontal element evokes the uraeus, the protective cobra emblem displayed on Egyptian royal crowns. The softly weathered surface, irregular crown edge, and subdued grey coloration give the model the appearance of a fragmentary ancient stone sculpture.

The overall form recalls royal portrait heads produced during Egypt’s early New Kingdom, particularly representations of Eighteenth Dynasty rulers wearing the White Crown. Comparable ancient examples have been associated with kings such as Ahmose I and Amenhotep I; however, this model bears no inscription or documentation identifying a particular pharaoh and is therefore best described as an anonymous royal head.

Features

- Egyptian Revival sculptural model

- Depicts a pharaoh wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt

- Stylized uraeus-like royal emblem above the forehead

- Idealized royal facial features and gently smiling expression

- Weathered grey stone-effect surface

- Fragmentary archaeological presentation

- Affixed to a tiered dark hardwood display stand

Cultural Significance

Known as the hedjet, the White Crown represented the pharaoh’s authority over Upper Egypt. When combined with the Red Crown of Lower Egypt, it formed the Double Crown symbolizing the political unification of the Two Lands.

Modern Egyptian Revival sculptures such as this were created to bring the monumentality and visual symbolism of ancient Egyptian royal portraiture into private collections and architectural interiors.

Condition

Good decorative condition with general wear consistent with age and prior display. Rubbing, scattered surface scratches, discoloration, and softening to portions of the facial detail are present. The auction catalogue noted a possible restoration on the back of the head, visible as an approximately 8-inch vertical darkened area along one side. The hardwood stand exhibits surface scratches, scuffs, edge wear, and minor marks.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 17.5 in
Width: 4 in
Depth: 7.25 in

Dimensions include the hardwood display stand.

Age (Approximate)

25–125 years old

Provenance & Ownership History

Property from the collection of Frederick M. Nicholas, Beverly Hills, California, USA.

Frederick M. Nicholas (1920–2025) was a prominent Los Angeles attorney, developer, civic leader, philanthropist, arts advocate, and avid collector. Known for his substantial contribution to the cultural life of Los Angeles, he was instrumental in the development of the Museum of Contemporary Art’s downtown facilities and Walt Disney Concert Hall and served on the boards of several important arts organizations.

Subsequently handled by Andrew Jones Auctions, Los Angeles, California, USA. Andrew Jones Auctions is a full-service fine art and antiques auction house whose specialists bring extensive experience from major international auction houses in America and Europe.

Learn More

Discover a closely related ancient royal portrait in the Head of Ahmose I at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore our Collection of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts & Mummies