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A Roman Black Stone Head of Zeus Serapis , circa late 2nd Century A.D.
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- A Roman Black Stone Head of Zeus Serapis
- Black stone
- Height 4 1/4 in. 10.8 cm.
inspired by the monumental cult statue attributed to Bryaxis, circa late 4th/early 3rd Century B.C., with thick beard and moustache of unruly spiral curls, large eyes with incised irises and dotted pupils, and hair falling in several fragmentary undercut locks over the forehead, a mortise for attachment of the modius on the crown of the head.
Provenance
French private collection, acquired from Galerie Mythes et légendes, Paris, December 14th, 1974
Condition
As shown and described, crown of head is flattened and roughly worked, there is yet another number painted on but not entirely legible, this one on the nape of the neck: "N.251...;" on a square red marble base.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
For a closely related example cf. Sotheby's, New York, December 7th, 2001, no. 80. Also see W. Hornbostel, Sarapis: Studien zur Überlieferungsgeschichte den Erscheinungsformen und Wandlungen der Gestalt eine Gottes, Leiden, 1973, figs. 232-233, for other examples in dark stone.
The numbers "476" (in red) and "M.483" (in white) are painted underneath the neck.