Rome, 2nd century CE. Portrait of the god (Zeus/Jupiter) rendered as a bust only, perhaps once atop a globe, on integral base. Serapis is shown as being rather broad-shouldered, with cloak and tunic. The distinctive measuring utensil, the modius, or kalathos in Greek, one of his attributes and a symbol of abundance and fertility surmounts his head in the manner of a crown. His hair style is very mannered, and beautifully rendered, with tasteful and decorative use of the drill (used sparingly). The Serapis here is the second of the two main portrait types -- with symmetrically arranged twisted coils of hair depending over the forehead. More interesting is the almost acanthus-pattern arrangement of five locks at the center bottom of the beard, nearly repeated with the center curls at the back of the head. His features are compact on a fairly broad face, with smallish nose. There is a glimmer of a smile in the mouth. Overall the piece is sharp, with the head and hair complete. Fine, sensitive workmanship, treated with stylistic flair. An excellent portrait! Size: 3.5" H (8.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex-New Jersey collection

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