Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0141
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Serapis and Isis
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/4 in. (2.51 grams, 18 mm).
The oval intaglio showing Serapis holding a sceptre and wearing a modius upon his head; Isis, wearing a feather(?) headdress and holding a sistrum.
Provenance
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Literature
Cf. Walters, H.B., Catalogue of Engraved Gems & Cameos, Greek, Etruscan & Roman in the British Museum, London, 1926, no.1030, for the type.
Footnotes
Serapis was known to the Greek and Roman world already in the 3rd century B.C. in Alexandria, where Ptolemy I built a serapeum in honour of the god. The name of the god is considered to be composed from the names Osiris and Apis bull and means 'Osiris the bull' since after his death he became the ruler of the outer world, while it was also believed that Osiris lived in the world through Apis. Isis, his spouse, was worshipped in the Roman Empire as a powerful divinity, mother of the gods.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Glass Square Flask
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
A tall iridescent square-shaped vessel with dimpled sides, tall neck and everted rim. 51.1 grams, 11.4 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Bronze Nibbling Mouse Statuette
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Modelled with naturalistic detailing on all fours as if nibbling at food held between the forepaws, curled tail. 29 grams, 33 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Bronze Spread Eagle Statue Base
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £56
Modelled with naturalistic detailing, wings spread with the feet of a statue standing on its tail. 44.5 grams, 50 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.