Heliotrope gem: Bust of Sarapis, διαφύλασσε

PP-ID:

PP-1670

Classification:

gem, non-specified

Collection ID:

DE_Kassel-HKH_Ge 180

Collection:

Kassel, Antikensammlung, Hessen Kassel Heritage

Collection Inventory:

Ge 180

Reference Numbers:

Capello 1702, no. 191; AGD III, no. Kassel 180; Michel 2001, no. 35; Michel, DMG, no. 45.3.c_1

Former Collections:

Patin, Charles (Paris, 1633 – Padua, 1693); Capello, Antonio (Venice, 1652–1729); Karl, Landgraf von Hessen-Kassel (Kassel, 1654–1730)

Material:

jasper, green and red

Dimensions:

16.6 × 13 × 2.7 mm

Iconography:

Sarapis; bust; modius

Dark green jasper with small red spots (heliotrope). Obverse upright oval and very lightly convex, reverse flat, trapezoid section. (Shape 8). Intact, save for minor chips around the edge.

Side A: Bust of Sarapis to left, wearing modius and mantle. Greek inscription clockwise around, starting at the bottom: διαφυλασσε → διαφύλασσε. 'Protect!'
Side B: Plain.

Selected bibliography
• Capello 1702 >>, pl. 31, no. 191 (see Antiquitatum Thesaurus for details).
• Montfaucon 1719 >>, vol. 2,2, 362, pl. 153C (see Antiquitatum Thesaurus for details).
• Zazoff, AGD III >>, 243, no. 180.
• Michel 2001 >>, 43–44, no. 35; click here for the full-text excerpt.
• Michel, DMG >>, no. 45.3.c_1.