A Bronze Figure of Cerberus, Roman Imperial, circa 2nd Century A.D.

the guardian of Hades, represented as a lion standing with the right leg advanced and jaws agape, with long shaggy and unruly mane, two canine heads emerging from the shoulders, two long serpents entwined around his legs and draping themselves over the canine heads.

Collection of Natacha Rambova (1897-1966)
Professor Donald P. Hansen (1932-2007), New York

much of left hindleg and lower part of right hindleg missing, end of tail missing, inserted head of one serpent missing, minor wear and chips elsewhere,
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Cf. Kofler-Truniger Collection, A167, Master Bronzes, no. 141, and LIMC VI, no. 89. For a more complete list see W. Hornbostel, Sarapis, Leiden, 1973, 93, note 8.

This is a replica in miniature of the Cerberus which stood beside the monumental cult statue of Zeus-Sarapis in the Serapeion at Alexandria. Macrobius, Sat., I,20,13-14, describes him as "a three-headed animal, the central and largest head of which bears the likeness of a lion; on the right there rises the head of a dog trying to please with a friendly expression, while the left part of the neck ternminates in the head of a rapacious wolf; and a serpent connects these animal forms with its coils, its head turned back to the right hand of the god, who pacifies the monster."