London- The highly anticipated FRIEZE Masters art fair in London will be showcasing a one-of-a-kind exhibit from October 9th to 13th. The exhibit, titled ‘The Forgotten Princess’ presented by David Aaron Ltd, will display the extraordinary fully painted wooden polychrome inner sarcophagus of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt.
The sarcophagus, dating back to the late 25th-Early 26th Dynasty, originates from Heracleopolis Magna, Egypt and has been meticulously preserved for over two centuries. It was first recorded in 1832 by Robert Hay (1799-1863), and has since been through various private collections before being sold at Sotheby’s in New York in 2013.
The sarcophagus was opened for the first time in two centuries in 2014, revealing not only the stunning interior but also priceless details of its discovery and provenance in the form of a handwritten pencil note from 1834. The face of the princess, characterized by vibrant colours and distinct styling, features full lips, wide-set almond-shaped eyes, and slender tapering eyebrows. The sarcophagus also boasts intricate decoration and symbols of royalty and protection, providing valuable insights into ancient Egyptian art.
Salomon Aaron, Director of David Aaron Ltd, expressed his excitement about the exhibition, stating, “It is a unique privilege to represent the Coffin of Princess Sopdet-en-haawt. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime object.” The sarcophagus is a centrepiece of David Aaron’s display at FRIEZE Masters and presents a rare opportunity for visitors to engage closely with a piece of ancient history.
David Aaron Ltd is a family-owned gallery specializing in Classical Greek and Roman, Egyptian, Near Eastern, and Islamic works of art. The gallery has been instrumental in helping major museums and private collections acquire and research important antiquities and is a member of the International Association of Dealers in Ancient Art and the Antiquities Dealers’ Association.
FRIEZE Masters, known for bridging the gap between historical art and contemporary practice, offers a unique space for art enthusiasts and collectors to explore and appreciate art history in dialogue with the present. This year, the fair will feature thousands of years of art in a contemporary context, showcasing masterpieces from the ancient era to the late 20th century.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see ‘The Forgotten Princess’ at FRIEZE Masters from October 9th to 13th. For more information about David Aaron Ltd and their collection, visit their showroom at 25A Berkeley Square, London.
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Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.