Description:
Sarapis (also called Serapis) was a syncretistic god who combined Egyptian and Hellenistic aspects. Based on the god Osiris and the bull Apis (which became Osir-Apis, in Greek Sarapis), the god was also identified with Asklepios (the god of healing), Dionysos and Hades. Linked to Osiris Sarapis was a god of the earth, fertility and regeneration. But he had also solar aspects, being associated with Helios and becoming Lord of All, like the sun god in ancient Egypt; around 400 CE Macrobius wrote: "Evidence that the sun, under the name of Sarapis, is the object of all this reverence …" (Saturnalia I, 20, 13; translation P. Davies, 1968). Together with his (in fact Osiris') consort Isis Sarapis was also seen as saviour ("Soter"), and he could be a healer. He also gave oracles and appeared in dreams and visions.
Sarapis was not only worshipped in Egypt but also in other parts of the Graeco-Roman world.
In this bronze statuette the god is depicted in the usual way, as a Greek god with a full beard and long free-flowing hair, including characteristic vertical locks on the forehead. He has a conical modius on his head, adorned with olive branches. The modius is a basket or measure for grain, symbolizing fertility of the earth and linking the god with Osiris. The bust is supported on a stylised lotus flower, linking him with the sun.
Literature:
Nancy Thomas - Gerry D. Scott, III - Bruce G. Trigger, The American Discovery of Ancient Egypt (Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1995), p. 225, no. 115;
Wilhelm Hornbostel, Serapis. Studien zur Überlieferungsgeschichte, den Erscheinungsformen und Wandlungen der Gestalt eines Gottes (Études préliminaires aux religions orientales dans l'empire romain, 32), Leiden, 1973;
G.J.F. Kater-Sibbes, Preliminary Catalogue of Sarapis Monuments (Études préliminaires aux religions orientales dans l'empire romain, 36) (Leiden, Brill, 1973);
John E. Stambaugh, Sarapis under the Early Ptolemies (Études préliminaires aux religions orientales dans l'empire romain, 25) (Leiden, Brill, 1972).
Dating:
Circa 2nd century C.E.
Size:
Height 8.4 cm without stand (10.7 cm including stand), maximum width 5.1 cm.
Provenance:
Dutch private collection; with Christie's New York, sale 8684 of 6 June 1997, lot 190.
Condition:
Intact with a dark patina covering almost the whole bust except in a few tiny spots where the underlying bronze is shining through; a very small triangular area (2 mm maximum width) of damage to the rim on the back side, near the left shoulder (as visible on the photograph); some incrustation; a few miniscule dents; comes with a custom made stand.
Price:
€ 3,200
Stock number:
E0655