Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Figure of a Cat

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Figure of a Cat

The function of this statue is not certain. Although similar images had large cavities to hold the mummies of cats, this statue is solid. Perhaps it served as a temple offering to a deity. The faience scarab on the top of the head is, appropriately, a solar symbol. The various deities who manifested themselves as felines were all closely associated with the sun god Re, and Re himself could appear as a cat.

• Medium: Wood, gilded gesso, bronze, rock crystal, glass
• Possible Place Collected: Saqqara, Egypt
• Dates: 305 B.C.E.-first century C.E.
• Period: Ptolemaic Period-Roman Period
• Dimensions: 25 9/16 x 6 5/16 x 11 13/16 in. (65 x 16 x 30 cm) Base: 17 11/16 in. (45 cm)
• Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Temples and Tombs, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
• Accession Number: 37.1945E
• Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
• Image: Overall, 37.1945E_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Figure of a Cat, 305 B.C.E.-first century C.E. Wood, gilded gesso, bronze, rock crystal, glass, 25 9/16 x 6 5/16 x 11 13/16 in. (65 x 16 x 30 cm) Base: 17 11/16 in. (45 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund , 37.1945E (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.1945E_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: One wooden votive figure of a cat, mounted on a wooden base. The cat sits erect, paws close together in front. An attempt at realistic modelling of the forelegs and forepaws is seen. No hind legs are shown but a posterior swelling gives an illusion of them. No tail is present. The head is well modelled, the cheekbones prominent. The eyes are inlaid. The rims are of bronze; the eyeballs of glass, painted from behind to simulate pupil. Atop the head a lapis lazuli scarab has been affixed. The haunches of the cat terminate in a roughly rectangular, but crudely fashioned dowel which fits into the base: the same is true for the paws. The base is also roughly rectangular, but it curves inward midway, thus accentuating the gentle curve of the haunches when seen from the front. The back of the base is rounded, thus performing the same function. The flatness of the chest and the above factors makes it evident that the votive was meant to be seen from the front. Condition: The body of the cat and the head have been joined together in a modern restoration. A thick, dark band marks the spot of attachment. Areas of linen and adhesive strengthening of the join are visible over the chest and right shoulder. The figure and base are completely denuded of gesso and color. Two superficial cracks are visible on the chest. On the left side (flank), one longer crack is visible at the level of the foreleg. Several areas of cracking are also seen on the haunch. On the right side of haunch an area of extensive damage is noted with much cracking on the lower portion. Several diagonal cracks (superficial) run across the back. The base bears a large crack directly in front of the figure. The left hand edge is cracked and fragmented. The base has generally suffered greater deterioration than the figure. The head of the cat has suffered some damage, especially about the ears. The left ear exhibits one small chip, from its tip, while the right has suffered loss along the outer edge of the pinna.