Statue of Sekhemka
Egypt, c.2400 BC
Export bar on Egyptian statue of Sekhemka UK Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has placed a temporary export bar on the Egyptian statue of Sekhemka following its sale to an overseas buyer.]]>
April 5, 2015. Source: Arts Council England
Sekhemka is an ancient Egyptian statue, dating from c.2400 BC and is considered to be the finest example of its kind anywhere in the world.
The statue, which would have been placed in his tomb, represents an ancient Egyptian official, wearing a short kilt and tight-fitting wig, surrounded by his wife, son and seven offering bearers. Among non-royal sculpture of similar size and date, it is unrivalled both for its exquisite execution and originality.
Whilst the identity of the sculptor is unknown, the skill and obvious devotion with which it was created ranks the maker amongst the leading artists of his day, whose services would only have been offered to society’s most privileged families.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey took the decision to defer granting an export licence for the statue following a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA), administered by Arts Council England.
The RCEWA made their recommendation on the grounds that it was of outstanding aesthetic importance; that it was of outstanding significance for the study of the development of private statuary and funerary religion in Egypt and the history of human self-representation; and that it was very closely connected with our history and national life.
The decision on the export licence application for the statue will be deferred for a period ending on 29 July 2015 inclusive. This period may be extended until 29 March 2016 inclusive if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase the statue is made at the recommended price of £15,732,600 (plus VAT which could be reclaimed by an eligible institution).
Related content
Egyptian statue sells for £15,8 million ($27 million) (news, July 2014)
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