Late Period, 664-332 BC. A bronze statuette of the god Horus as a standing hawk; mounted on a custom-made stand. 210 grams total, 68mm including stand (2 3/4"). Property of a London gallery; acquired on the London art market circa 2000; previously in a UK collection since the 1970s. Horus' name, Har in Egyptian, is probably to be interpreted as 'the high' or 'the far off', and relates to the falcon hovering up in the sky in search of its prey. Evidence for Horus in complete hawk form, is on monuments from the late Predynastic period, such as the palette showing a number of sacred creatures attacking the walls of fortified towns. He continues to appear in total falcon form throughout Egyptian civilisation. Horus is the symbol of divine kingship and the Pharaoh was believed to be the earthly manifestation of the god bringing justice and order to the world. The god takes on many forms, such as Harpocrates, or Horus the Child; Harsomtus, Horus the Uniter, one of two deities who were believed to bring stability to the two kingdoms of Egypt under the rulership of the king; and Har-nedj-intef, Horus the Saviour of his Father, the avenging form of the god who overcomes his evil uncle Set and restores order to the cosmos. Horus also takes on the role of a sun god where he is known as Harakhti, the Horus of the Horizon.