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Bracelet depicting Egyptian deities
Roman Provincial
Roman Imperial Period
about 2nd century A.D.
Place of Manufacture: Egypt
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter (max.): 9.8 cm (3 7/8 in.)
Length = 14 cm (since the bracelet is curved, this is really the circumference of the inscription)
Height = 1.5 cm
Length = 14 cm (since the bracelet is curved, this is really the circumference of the inscription)
Height = 1.5 cm
Credit Line
Gift of Harlan J. Berk in honor of John J. Herrmann, Jr., Curator of Classical Art, 1976-2004
Accession Number2004.2229
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Bracelets and armlets
DescriptionFrom left to right the figures are: the griffin of Nemesis with her wheel, a radiate sun-god in armor holding a spear, a goddess?, Hermanubis, Demeter-Io, Serapis with Cerberus, Harpokrates, Isis, two snakes (Agathodaimon-Serapis and Thueris-Isis) flanking Harpokrates (?), and a falcon with the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. At the far right is the Greek inscription "To Sarapis of great name."
The bracelet has the form of a fillet: that is, a broad strap with ties at either end. Fillets were tied around people or objects as a decoration or a mark of honor.
The bracelet has the form of a fillet: that is, a broad strap with ties at either end. Fillets were tied around people or objects as a decoration or a mark of honor.
ProvenanceSaid to have been in an English collection [see note]. About 2001, sold by a British dealer to Frank Kovacs (dealer), San Mateo, CA; sold by Kovacs to Harlan J. Berk (dealer), Chicago; 2004, year-end gift of Harlan Berk to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 23, 2005)
NOTE: According to Frank Kovacs, this was said to have belonged to an English collector "for some time."
NOTE: According to Frank Kovacs, this was said to have belonged to an English collector "for some time."