Inv. Scu 735

The head, ancient but not pertinent,  does not blend in harmoniously with the entire figure, wrapped in a long robe (chiton) and with the upper part wrapped in a short cloak (himation).

The head, with its restored nose and the heavy reworking of the surfaces, is a product of  Greek-Eastern workshops.

Its pose, proportions, appearance and hairstyle can be compared to sculptures generally dating to middle or late Hellenism .

The identification of the figure with a priest is possible due to the comparison with the Egyptian style statues that represent Isiac priests holding a vase (canopic jars) hidden by their robes; the figure refers to the cult of Osiris-Canopus.

The vase most likely held lake water from the Nile, considered the emanation of the god Osiris.

It is likely that the statue is an eclectic Hadrianic period (117-138 AD) invention: a Greek-style reinterpretation of an Egyptian way of representation (the hypothesis that it could be a late Hellenistic work or a copy from a Hellenistic original is less convincing).

The work comes from Villa Adriana, Tivoli.