The quality of this graceful statue of the goddess Bastet is outstanding for its size and proportions and can only be observed in a small number of sculptures of the goddess. The erect and dignified pose of the haughty cat and the alert expression in the eyes bestow a great majesty. Long, slender, muscular legs convey a sense of graceful controlled power. The naturalistic modelling gives life to the animal.
The cat is represented seated, its tail curled around the right side of the body. The outstretched front legs emphasise protruding shoulders. It is adorned with a large usekh necklace composed by three tight rows of rectangular pearls above a row of teardrop beads. Below, suspended from another incised necklace, is a wedjat eye pendant invoking healing and protection. Exceptionally, the eyes have retained their inlays of electrum (gold and silver alloy). The pierced right ear once wore a gold ring. At the top of the cat's head a scarab cast at the same time as the bronze of the statue evokes the notion of daily rebirth. The first representations of cats date back to the Middle Kingdom, particularly on cosmetic dishes. They became pets and began being depicted in a funerary context on tomb paintings and reliefs during the New Kingdom. The cult of the goddess Bastet, protector of the home and associated with prosperity and fertility, developed in Egypt from the 10th century BC, when the main residence of the kings of the XXIInd Dynasty was set up in the city of Bubastis (Per-Bastet/the house of Bastet) in the eastern Nile delta. Mummified cats including wooden or bronze statues were dedicated to the goddess and placed in her temples, serving as offerings to the deity.