A Marble Head of Serapis, Roman Imperial, 2nd Century A.D.

based on a Hellenistic prototype of the 2nd Century B.C., his face with parted lips, straight nose, deep-set eyes, and unruly beard of deeply drilled voluted curls, his long wavy hair swept up in an anastole above the forehead, bound in a diadem, flowing down the sides, and falling in a thick plait over the nape of his neck, the crown of the head carved flat for addition of a modius.

private collection, Lausanne, 1960s

slightly weathered overall, note areas of pitting and abrasion on face, horizontal hairline crack through proper right side of head
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a related example of similar date cf. G. Kaschnitz-Weinberg, Sculture del Magazzino del Museo Vaticano, Vatican City, 1936, no. 232 (W. Hornbostel, Sarapis. Studien zur Überlieferungsgeschichte den Erscheinungsformen und Wandlungen der Gestalt eines Gottes, Leiden, 1973, pp. 184-186, fig. 122).