Roman Gold Ring with Bust of the God Serapis

1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

1 in. (5.65 grams, 27.68 mm overall, 18.70 x 15.32 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)).

Hollow-formed hoop with broad ellipsoid cell, inset red jasper intaglio profile bust of Serapis with modius; possibly a marriage, supplied with a museum-quality impression.

Provenance

Private European collection.
Acquired in 2002.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13122-246778.

Literature

Cf. Chadour, A.B., Rings. The Alice and Louis Koch Collection, volume I, Leeds, 1994, item 142, for type.

Footnotes

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.

CONDITION

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LOT 0152