Lot 19
  • 19

A ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF SARAPIS, EGYPT, CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D. | A Roman Marble Head of Sarapis, Egypt

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • marble
  • Height 17.5 cm.
his long wavy hair falling in four curls over the forehead and flowing down the sides, the plain modius with torus and slightly domed top, the back roughly worked; no restorations.

Provenance

said to have been found in 1931 on Cape Silsileh in Alexandria (the ancient Cape Lochias)
Charles Zahar, Paris, prior to 1961
Drouot, Paris, Delorme & Collin Du Bocage, Entière collection de Monsieur B. Partie 1. Archéologie. Précolombien. Asie, February 24th, 2010, no. 149, illus.
acquired by the present owner at the above sale

Literature

Achille Adriani, Repertorio d’arte dell’Egitto greco-romano, Serie A, vol. II, Palermo, 1961, p. 48, no. 177, pl. 82, fig. 275
Wilhelm Hornbostel, Sarapis, Leiden, 1973, p. 211, no. 5, pl. 88, fig. 151
J. F. Kater-Sibbes, Preliminary Catalogue of Sarapis Monuments, Leiden, 1973, p. 24, no. 129

Condition

As shown. Surface in good condition. Minor chips overall. Note larger chip on inside of second lock of hair from left falling above forehead. Back of head roughly carved. Ancient dowel hole of square section through back of neck, suggesting that head was made for insertion into a bust. Modius chipped on around top edge in three places, including a large shallow chip in back. Areas of dark incrustation.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."