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Panel with the god Zeus/Serapis/Ohrmazd and worshiper

ca. 3rd century CE
Not on view
This rare Central Asian votive panel depicts a deity (with nimbus) being approached by a male worshiper, probably nonroyal but portrayed as of equal stature to the god. Compositionally, they follow scenes of homage and investiture from the post-Hellenistic West and from Iran in which a king and a god appear side by side. A majestic figure with a full beard and long wavy hair, who has been identified as the supreme deity Zeus/Serapis/Ohrmazd, receives a suppliant in the characteristic Iranian short tunic and leggings, hands clasped in adoration. Here, the rich intercultural style that developed in the Kushan realm is clearly displayed: Indian divine iconography; the Iranian type of two-figured composition; and Greco-Roman naturalism in the drapery and pose, as well as in the use of light and shadow to suggest modeling. The panel has holes at the corners and was probably set up, together with three others acquired by the Museum (MMA 2000.42.1, .3, .4), on the interior walls of a sanctuary, perhaps a family shrine.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Panel with the god Zeus/Serapis/Ohrmazd and worshiper
  • Period: Kushan
  • Date: ca. 3rd century CE
  • Geography: Bactria; Northern Afghanistan, near Balkh, near Oxus river
  • Culture: Kushan
  • Medium: Terracotta, gouache
  • Dimensions: H. 56.8 cm, W. 52.3 cm, D. 5.4 cm
    43 lbs
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Gift, 2000
  • Object Number: 2000.42.2
  • Curatorial Department: Ancient West Asian Art

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