‘The Forgotten Princess’ The first UK Public Display of the re-discovered Inner Sarcophagus of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt.

-THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT, UK

• First UK Display: The sarcophagus of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt will be publicly displayed for the first time in the UK at FRIEZE Masters in London from October 9th to 13th, 2024.
• Historical Significance: This fully painted wooden sarcophagus, dating from the late 25th to early 26th Dynasty of ancient Egypt, was rediscovered and opened in 2014 after being sealed for two centuries.
• Provenance and History: Discovered in Saqqarah in 1832 and originally recorded by Robert Hay, it was sold through various private collections before being auctioned at Sotheby’s New York in 2013.
• Artistic Details: The sarcophagus is noted for its vibrant colors and intricate decorations, including a depiction of the princess with symbolic royal and protective elements.
• Exhibition Context: David Aaron Ltd is showcasing the sarcophagus as the centerpiece of their display at FRIEZE Masters, emphasizing its significance as a rare and well-preserved piece of ancient Egyptian art.

FRIEZE MASTERS, LONDON, UK– ‘The Forgotten Princess’ presented by David Aaron Ltd, will be the first public display in the UK of the extraordinary fully painted wooden polychrome inner sarcophagus of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt. Details of her discovery, provenance and lineage were only recently uncovered when the sarcophagus was opened for the first time in two centuries in 2014 during conservation.

This rare and remarkably preserved artefact will be showcased at FRIEZE Masters from October 9th to 13th, coming straight from its six-year stint in the MFAH, (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston). 

The extensively decorated sarcophagus from the late 25^th-Early 26^th Dynasty, originates from Heracleopolis Magna, Egypt, most likely from the Theban necropolis at Sheikh Abd-el Qurna. Discovered in Saqqarah in 1832, it was first recorded by Robert Hay (1799-1863) in his field notebook, which is now kept in the British museum.

It entered the private French collection of Jules Xavier Saguez de Breuvery in 1834 and later passed through various private collections, including that of Monsieur Maffre de Baugé, until it was sold at Sotheby’s in New York in 2013.

The sarcophagus was opened for the first time in two centuries in 2014, not only revealing the incredible yellow and white highly inscribed interior but also priceless details of its discovery and provenance in the form of a handwritten pencil note from 1834.

One of the most iconic forms of ancient Egyptian art, characterized by vibrant colours, and distinct styling, the face of the princess features full lips, wide-set almond-shaped eyes, and slender tapering eyebrows. Topped with a voluminous tripartite wig of echeloned rectangular curls and a vulture headdress, the sarcophagus is painted with an idealised depiction of Princess Sopdet-em-haawt, adorned with symbols of royalty and protection.

Her coffin’s intricate decoration and well-preserved state provide invaluable insights into the workshops of the Theban area during the Late Period of ancient Egypt and allows us to accurately date the sarcophagus to the very end of the 25^th or, the beginning of the 26^th Dynasty.

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.”

This 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 that has been meticulously preserved and studied.