Head of Serapis in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Head of Serapis


Creator: Roman (Artist)

Period: 1st century (?) (Roman)

Medium: marble (Sculpture)

Accession Number: 23.120

Measurements: 21 7/16 x 15 9/16 x 15 3/16 in. (54.5 x 39.5 x 38.5 cm)

Geographies: Rome, Italy (Place of Origin), Baliana (in present-day Egypt) (Place of Discovery)


A Roman version of the Greek cult statue of Serapis from his temple at Alexandria, the head retains the majestic air of a classical god. The size of the head and the treatment at the back and neck indicate that it was part of a seated statue of colossal size. A hole at the top of the head once served to attach the god's attribute, a kalathos (woven basket) or modius (grain measure), which emphasized his role as a fertility deity. Serapis became important during the reign of Ptolemy I of Egypt (304-284 BC), because he blended aspects of Egyptian and Greek gods.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/36748/head-of-serapis/