Carnelian gem: Sarapis enthroned, Greek inscription

PP-ID:

PP-1668

Classification:

gem, non-specified

Collection ID:

DE_Kassel-HKH_Ge 179

Collection:

Kassel, Antikensammlung, Hessen Kassel Heritage

Collection Inventory:

Ge 179

Reference Numbers:

Capello 1702, no. 96; AGD III, no. Kassel 179; Michel 2001, no. 32; Michel, DMG, no. 57.1.a_7

Former Collections:

Capello, Antonio (Venice, 1652–1729)

Material:

carnelian, yellow to orange

Dimensions:

11.8 × 9.6 × 3.7 mm

Iconography:

Sarapis; tunic; mantle; modius; scepter, unspecified; throne; Cerberus

Orange carnelian gem. Upright oval, side A slightly convex, side B flat. (Shape 6). Two minor chips on the edge.

Side A: Sarapis seated on a throne in profile to the right. Right hand holding a sceptre, left hand outstretched in front of him above Cerberus (Capello 1702; Veymiers 2009; pace Zazoff, AGD III: an eagle). On his head, a polos. Greek inscription on the two sides of the figure, from right to left in mirror writing: σευ ηρου → Σευήρου. 'Of Severus'.
Side B: Plain.

Selected bibliography
• Capello 1702 >>, pl. 15, no. 96.
• Zazoff, AGD III >>, 243, no. 179.
• Michel 2001 >>, 42, no. 32, pl. 5; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Veymiers 2009, >> 285, II.AB 9 (with the interpretation of the inscription).