Egyptian Gilt Bronze Monkey Statue with Applied Coin to Base, 20th Century

A charming and decorative Egyptian gilt bronze monkey statue with an applied coin to the base — a small-scale sculptural object in the Egyptian Revival tradition, combining the enduring appeal of ancient Egyptian iconography with the decorative bronze casting that was produced prolifically for the tourist and export market throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

The monkey holds particular significance in ancient Egyptian mythology as Thoth, the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, was frequently depicted in baboon form — one of the most recognizable animal deities of the Egyptian pantheon. Gilt bronze monkey figures in this format were produced in Egypt and exported widely throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, ranging from genuine antiquities to high-quality decorative reproductions made for the luxury tourist trade. The applied coin to the base is a characteristic feature of Egyptian export bronzes and may carry a date or mint mark worth examining.

• Material: Gilt bronze
• Details: Applied coin to base
• Dimensions: Approx. 9" H × 6¼" W × 5" D
• Origin: Egyptian
• Period: 20th Century
• Source: Joshua Kodner Galleries, Dania Beach, FL
• Auction Date: January 6, 2024
• Lot Number: 269