LOT 0001

Roman Carnelian Gemstone of the God Serapis

1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

1/2 in. (0.47 grams, 14 mm).

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.

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

Cf. Spier, J., Ancient Gems and Finger Rings, J. Paul Getty Museum Catalogue, Malibu, 1992, p.108, no.276, for a similar three-quarter depiction in agate; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston inv. no.13.243, for a similar carnelian example.

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.