A pair of Romano-Egyptian gold 'Isis' bracelets

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

Details

A pair of Romano-Egyptian gold 'Isis' bracelets
1st Century B.C./A.D.
Each with a hoop composed of two thick gold wires looped together to form an openwork pattern of conjoined ovals, the intersections of which are faced with bosses, the centre with a large recessed medallion with four larger bosses and beaded wire borders, one medallion supporting a draped relief bust of the goddess Isis wearing her characteristic headdress of two branches, the other with sun-disk headdress
2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm.) across each hoop; 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm.) across each central disc (2)

Lot Essay

Isis is depicted wearing the sun-disk and two branches in her aspects of Mistress of Earth and Heaven. The cult of Isis, goddess of powerful magic, was particularly popular in Roman times offering a personal vision of enlightenment and salvation to her followers. This exotic mystery cult became one of the most powerful precursors and rivals of early Christianity. Outside of Egypt, sanctuaries of Isis can be found on the Acropolis at Athens, on the island of Delos and at Pompeii. Great festivals were celebrated in the Spring and Autumn in her honour. Her image on bracelets offered protection and good fortune to whoever wore them. Cf. Isis: The Myth, the Mystery and the Magic, Palazzo Reale, Milan, 1997.

Cf. J. Ward-Perkins and A. Claridge, op. cit., no. 61 for the type.

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