Jupiter Serapis Bust

Creator

Preview

Creation Date

3rd century BCE – 4th century CE

Geography

Mediterranean

Culture

Hellenistic or Roman

Medium

Bronze

Dimensions

1/2 × 1 1/8 × 3/8 in. (4. 2 × 2.1 × 1.5 cm)

0.882 oz. ( 25.0 g)

Credit Line

Long-term Loan from the Estate of Boris Blick, 2015

Accession Number

2015.164.5

Provenance

Purchased by Boris Blick in an antique mall in York, England in 2000.

Condition

Obvious wear, some oxidation on the front surfaces but more on the base.

Description

The object presents as a bust or a depiction of a head. The figure is bearded with long hair framing the face down to what would be the figure’s shoulders. The hair, going around the back is textured to the eye and touch. The facial structure is less visible due to wear however facial features such as a nose, eyes, mouth, chin, and brow structure are apparent. The mouth is carved inwards to give it the appearance of being open. The bronze head is topped with a narrow fluted neck or pillar which accounts for about 1/3 of the entire piece.

The lack of detail in the figures’ features are apparent but is not due to wear; the object was designed to be as such. Nonetheless, the most prominent features contribute to a distinct image of Ptolemaic deity Jupiter Serapis. Texturing on the hair and beard make them appear curly and dense, a trademark of the Serapis representation. The eyes are hollow, giving the figure a lifeless, static quality. This is juxtaposed with the pronounced brow and nose which are molded to be the highest parts of the face. The exaggeration of the brow and nose give the figure a sense of slight dynamism. This quality is aided by the openness of the mouth which also makes the figure appear slightly more expressive. The pillar-like protrusion on the head, referred to as a modius, adds structure to the piece and to the quality of stoic strength.

Anjali Zumkhawala-Cook (’26)