Roman Bronze Deity Figure - Serapis

**Originally Listed At $800**

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A beautiful cast-bronze figure of Serapis in a seated position with sandaled feet resting atop an integral foot rest. He wears flowing vestments with nicely pleated folds below his broad chest, raises one arm and holds the other against his side, and has a lengthy cloak billowing behind his back. Serapis has petite eyes and full lips surrounded by a bushy beard, and his curly coiffure is topped with a modius or kalathos (basket). Ancient Romans did not typically respect the deities and belief systems of other ancient cultures; however, those in the Greek and Egyptian pantheons were revered. The god Serapis was originally created by Ptolemy I of Egypt as a means of unifying the Grecian and Egyptian cultures around the 3rd century BCE, though Romans were quick to adopt the cult of Serapis in favor of other overarching deities such as Osiris around the 4th century CE. Size: 1.5" W x 2.6" H (3.8 cm x 6.6 cm); 3.2" H (8.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private J.P. Collection, Melbourne, Florida, USA

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#145962
Condition Report: Losses to both hands, area of foot rest, and verso as shown. Minor abrasions and nicks to legs, body, arms, and head, with softening to some finer features, and light encrustations within interior. Light earthen deposits as well as fine green and brown patina throughout. Old inventory label beneath base.