Roman Head of Serapis

Culture: Roman/Province Egypt

Period: 1st – 2nd century A.D.

Material: Marble

Dimensions: 28 cm high

Price: Reserved

Ref: 3008

Provenance: French private collection of C. Simon, Naves. Acquired in the 1920s. Ex-Bonhams. Thence collection Ofner, Austria.

Condition: Some traces of weathering, but very strong expression.

Description: Serapis, the Graeco-Egyptian God as a means to unify the Greeks and Egyptians in his realm, was still worshipped in Roman times. This portrait follows the original of Bryaxis. The God is depicted with expressive eyebrows and soft features, his mouth slightly open. The curled beard with drilled details, his long hair falling into his face. He is wearing a modius, a cylindrical headdress, derived from a wheat measure. This is not only an indication for his fertility function, but also for his function as a protector for the harvest. Remains of his shoulders are preserved.