ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Christie's to auction Egyptian Pair Statue from Hovingham Hall Collection

market-auction · 2026-06-04

On 30 June 2026, Christie's is set to present an Egyptian Limestone Pair Statue featuring the Royal Acquaintances Nebefwy and Mes-sat, which dates back to the Old Kingdom, specifically the Mid to Late 5th Dynasty, around 2400–2300 B.C. This artwork illustrates Nebefwy and his spouse Mes-sat positioned on a shared plinth, adorned with hieroglyphs that name the couple and their son Meh-er-nefer as the dedicant. Nebefwy is depicted in a walking pose, dressed in a pleated kilt and wig, while Mes-sat stands beside him, her arm wrapped around his back. The estimated value is available upon request.

Key facts

  • Christie's will offer an Egyptian Limestone Pair Statue of Nebefwy and Mes-sat
  • Dating to Old Kingdom, Mid to Late 5th Dynasty, circa 2400–2300 B.C.
  • Part of The Exceptional Sale: Masterworks Across Cultures in London
  • Auction date: 30 June 2026
  • Estimate on request
  • Sculpture depicts Nebefwy and Mes-sat standing on integral plinth
  • Hieroglyphic inscription identifies couple and son Meh-er-nefer as dedicant
  • Nebefwy shown striding with pleated kilt and wig, Mes-sat with arm around his back

Entities

Institutions

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources