Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a hand-carved and hand-painted alabaster relief plaque depicting Queen Nefertari being led by the goddess Isis. It is modeled directly after the famous 13th-century BC wall paintings found in Nefertari's tomb (QV66) in the Valley of the Queens.
Story
Deep in the Valley of the Queens in 1904, explorers uncovered the breathtaking tomb of Nefertari. This plaque recreates the sacred moment the goddess Isis takes the queen's hand, guiding her into the eternal afterlife.
Maker / Origin
This piece was crafted by a skilled artisan workshop in Egypt, likely in the Luxor (ancient Thebes) region, which has been the global epicenter of alabaster carving for thousands of years. These modern carvers use hand tools and techniques passed down through generations to supply the global demand for archaeological replicas.
Condition & Value
The plaque appears to be in very good condition with no major chips, cracks, or significant paint loss. The rough, textured back is typical of hand-quarried and hand-carved alabaster tiles. Excellent preservation of the painted details commands the higher end of the value range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.