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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'.
ProvenanceAcquired before 1988.
Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
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.
FootnotesSerapis 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.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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LOT 0626
Roman Epigraphic Gemstone with Head of Zeus Serapis
Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
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Roman 'Thames' Samian Ware Stamped Fragment Group
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
A group of six Samian ware vessel bases labelled 'a-f', each stamped to the interior base; accompanied by an information sheet identifying the relevant workshop and approximate date: 'a. COSRVF Cosivs and Rufinus South Gaul late 1st century; b.Caddiron Caddiron Langres ?; c. BALBINVS F Balbinus (Fecit) Lubie early 2nd century; d.TITVRONIS O Tituro (officina workshop) Central Gaul early 2nd century; e. ALBVS F Albus Central Gaul early 2nd century; f. ]IVCVN ?'. 328 grams total, 4.2-13.7 cm
Found Billingsgate spoil from the Thames foreshore, London, UK. Acquired on the UK antiques market between 1974-1985. Albert Ward collection, Essex, UK. Accompanied by a typed original identification document from the Museum of London dated 29th August 1984. -
Roman Stucco Head of a Bearded Man
Provincial, 2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
A stucco head from a cornice modelled in the half-round as a mature male with full beard and short, tufted head of hair; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 623 grams total, 12.8 cm (16.5 cm high including stand)
Fair condition.
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. -
Roman Gemstone with Zeus Serapis and Isis
2nd-3rd century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £442
A gem with a representation of Zeus Serapis enthroned, modius on his head, sceptre and eagle by his side, Isis Gubernatrix to his right and Isis sail-bearer to his left, all three figures riding a galley or cargo ship. 0.28 grams, 10 mm
Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.
This triad formed by Serapis and the two aspects of Isis (Gubernatrix and sail-bearer) aboard a ship, appears in several examples of Alexandrian coinage and gemstones. This imagery is linked to the image of Isis, goddess of the sea, and Serapis, god of vegetation and protector of the sailors.
