CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C./A.D.

Details

A GRAECO-EGYPTIAN LIMESTONE STELA WITH ISIS-RENENUTET
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C./A.D.
Representing the facade of a Greek temple, with the coiled snake wearing plumed sun disc and cow's horns crown between two columns on which are placed the helmets(?) of the Dioskouroi, Castor and Pollux
10¼ in. (26 cm.) high

Provenance

Formerly in the Maurice Nahman collection (1868-1948).

Special notice

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Lot Essay

The corn-goddess and guardian of the granaries, Renenutet, was worshipped particularly in the Fayum where many Greek agriculturalists were settled. The cult incorporated the worship of the bountiful and protective serpent with Castor and Pollux, the latter's helmets possibly representing the half-egg from which they were born from the union of Leda and Zeus. Cf. Exhibition catalogue, Égypte Romaine, Marseille, 1997, p. 204, no. 207 for similar.

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