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Silver bust of Serapis

2nd century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 169
By the second century A.D., Serapis had become one of the most popular deities in the Roman Empire. Many images of the god took the form of portable busts, suitable for dedication or for private worship. Silver busts of Serapis are mentioned in an inscription found in Rome, but this is apparently the only extant example. The modius (grain basket) always shown on the god’s head is now missing.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Silver bust of Serapis
  • Period: Mid-Imperial
  • Date: 2nd century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Silver
  • Dimensions: 6 1/8 x 3 3/4 in. (15.6 x 9.5 cm)
  • Classification: Gold and Silver
  • Credit Line: Gift of Jan Mitchell and sons, 1991
  • Object Number: 1991.127
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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