Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0626
Roman Epigraphic Gemstone with Head of Zeus Serapis
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D.OR LATER
1/2 in. (0.86 grams, 12 mm).
A gemstone with one side incised with the head of Zeus Serapis wearing a modius crown, seen in profile to the left, surrounded by Greek letters I,Λ,φ, ν, Λ,Λ,Ϲ,Ϲ,Ε,Δ; the other side with enigmatic inscription 'BIKIω PIΗΔνMΗ IΔ φI ΛA'.
Provenance
Acquired before 1988.
Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
Literature
Cf. Henig, M. and MacGregor, A., Catalogue of the Engraved Gems and Finger-Rings in the Ashmolean Museum. II. Roman, Oxford, 2004, no. 1.104, for a parallel.
Footnotes
Serapis was a Graeco-Egyptian god, whose cult was popularised during the 3rd century B.C. on the orders of Ptolemy I of Egypt, to facilitate the religious syncretism of his kingdom. During the Roman Empire his image was widely diffused in the east. Usually a third of these gems carry magical words which shows that they were used as amulets or for some other ritual purpose. These magical gems were inscribed with acclamations or prayers that suggest they were used as amulets for protection (in this case of Serapis) or to acquire charm, but only some of them can be linked with some divinatory or prophylactic purpose.
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 Lead Figural Scene
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A lead figural scene composed of a male and female figure standing facing on a rectangular base; the male figure detached and with head absent; set in a display frame. 91 grams total, 70 x 70 mm including case
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Silver Bow Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £143
A silver bow brooch decorated with punched interlocking triangles to the bow and footplate; pin in catchplate to reverse. 6.7 grams, 47 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Mars Gemstone in Gold Ring
1st-2nd century A.D. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
An ellipsoid carnelian gemstone with intaglio figure of Mars wearing a helmet and bearing a cornucopia in one hand and a miniature figure of Victory in the other; set in a later gold ring. 8.93 grams, 21.88 mm overall, 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)
Ex Marianne Maspero, 1980. with Pierre Berge & Associes, Paris, France, 16 May 2018, lot 230. English private collection.
Mars was the ancient Roman god of war and agriculture; the majority of his festivals were held in March, when the season for military campaigning commenced, whilst the season for farming ended. Mars symbolised military power as a method for securing peace and stability and was believed a protective father of the Roman people. In Roman mythology, Mars raped Silvia, thus fathering Romulus and Remus, the famous twins suckled by the She-wolf and founders of the city of Rome. The animals most closely associated with Mars are the woodpecker, wolf and bear.
