Bust of Sarapis

Datec. 3rd c

Mediumsteatite

Dimensions12 x 9 cm

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of Dr. Lillian Malcove

Object numberM82.343

DescriptionSmall stone bust of Jupiter-Sarapis, provenance unknown, although our records say "Roman period, Egypt, and "found near Alexandria". The date of the piece has been debated, some scholars seeing it as 4th century. Serapis was a composite of several Egyptian and Hellenistic deities, and his chief centre of worship in Ptolomeic times was the great Serapium in Alexandria. The identification of the sculpture as representing Sarapis (also spelled Serapis) is based on his typical iconography - infludenced by late Hellenistic art, he typically wears a Greek style robe and has long locks and a bushy beard. He is also shown with a basket or tall corn measure surmounting his head, representing his fertility attributes and association with Osiris, sometimes god of grain.

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