Egypt, Ptolemaic 3rd-2nd cent. B.C.

White limestone. H. 1 29/64 in; 3.7 cm, L. 4 23/32 in; 12 cm
 

Each crocodile crouches on a low, rectangular base with its tail slightly curved. They are finely sculpted and the details of their bodies, faces, mouths and legs are carefully rendered. The crocodiles could be either sculptor's models or votive gifts to the crocodile-god Sobek.

One base with crocodile's tail is reassembled from a few large fragments. The corner of the base of the other crocodile reattached. Breaks filled in and retouched. The edges and one crocodile's tail slightly worn, some dark encrustations.

The crocodiles could be either sculptor's models or votive gifts to the crocodile-god Sobek.

Formerly Pierre Bergé & Associés, Paris, auction 29.05.2008, lot 522.