Roman Bronze Fylfot Brooch

Orangey-red intaglio with a concave front and flat back, depicting the three-quarter bust of Serapis; displaying a tightly curled beard, shoulder-length wavy hair with a central parting brushed up from the forehead, wearing the characteristic calathus (woven basket or corn-measure) headgear, symbolising fertility; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.47 grams, 14 mm



Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Private collection, London, UK.

Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god combining the Egyptian gods Osiris and Apis, but with a decidedly Greek appearance. He was promoted by Ptolemy I in the 3rd century BC to help unite the Greek and Egyptian people. Later, Ptolemaic rulers spread his worship, and Serapis became popular across the Roman Empire. Outside Egypt, he was often identified as Isis's partner, replacing Osiris. Over time, he also adopted traits associated with the Greek gods, Hades and Dionysus.

Intaglio bust of Mercury turned to the left, with a petasos on his head and a caduceus on his shoulder; natural black inclusions in the red stone; mirror-finish polishing; gold mounting/setting with flattened and jutting hoop; mounted in an ancient gold ring; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 9.17 grams, 25.33 mm overall, 17.63 x 14.43 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13169-249498.

Including plano-convex, ribbed and other types, some with ring-and-dot detailing. 45 grams total, 16-23 mm



From the collection of a Kent gentleman, formed from the 1990s.