.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The syncretistic deity depicted on this cult relief displays the properties and attributes of several gods of the Graeco-Roman and Egyptian pantheon. The anguipede form closely recalls the cosmic warrior god Abraxas, known mostly from late Roman "magic gems," and most often seen with a cock's head or a lion head and armed with a sword and shield. See, for example, no. 181ff. in Michel, Die Magischen Gemmen in Britischen Museum.
The caduceus, the sheaves of wheat, and the ram head can be interpreted as representing Mercury, as the god of commerce. The poppies display a medicinal element. The wolf head and fringing skirt may relate to the ketos or sea monster. See, for example, the ketoi with wolf heads on the marble series of Jonah being swallowed and cast out, now in Cleveland, nos. 365-366, p. 409 in Weitzman, Age of Spirituality, Late Antique and Early Art, Third to Seventh Century.
The caduceus, the sheaves of wheat, and the ram head can be interpreted as representing Mercury, as the god of commerce. The poppies display a medicinal element. The wolf head and fringing skirt may relate to the ketos or sea monster. See, for example, the ketoi with wolf heads on the marble series of Jonah being swallowed and cast out, now in Cleveland, nos. 365-366, p. 409 in Weitzman, Age of Spirituality, Late Antique and Early Art, Third to Seventh Century.