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Large head of Serapis shown with a
fulsome beard and fringed hairdo over the forehead. On the crown a closed modius
decorated with an olive branch.
The face with a small nose and flat eye cavities with thin eyelids. The mouth
enclosed by a stringy moustache.
Large-sized heads of Serapis are relatively rare. They are to be considered as
votive offerings in their own right. This is also confirmed by the partially
preserved standing ring on the back.
For a related votive head from Alexandria, cf. item no. 149 in: W. Hornbostel.
Kunst der Antike. Schätze aus norddeutschem Privatbesitz. Exhibition Catalogue.
Hamburg 1977.
The god Serapis descends from Ptolemaic cult in an attempt to integrate Egyptian
and Greek religion. The human-looking new god was the equivalent of Osiris and
of the highly popular Apis and named Osiris-Apis, subsequently abbreviated to
Serapis. The syncretic god was worshiped as the master of the underworld and the
guardian of the corn supply. His attributes are thus the Cerberus of the Hades
and the modius used to measure the corn.
Large and rare, nice Hellenistic style. Left eye indented. Front side of the
stand ring chipped.
H. 17.5 cm (6.9 in)
H. with stand 20.6 cm (8.1 in)
Ex US private collection.
1450 USD |
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