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_900x900.jpg "Greek Terracotta Figure of Eros, the God of Love")
_200x200.jpg "Greek Terracotta Figure of Eros, the God of Love")
.jpg "Greek Terracotta Figure of Eros, the God of Love")
LOT 0086
Greek Terracotta Figure of Eros, the God of Love
HELLENISTIC, 3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
12 1/4 in. (808 grams total, 31 cm including stand).
Modelled nude in a dynamic pose with his wings spread open, the left leg slightly advanced, and the right arm extended with open palm, a diadem or a fillet on his head; circular socket between the wings; accompanied by a display stand.
ProvenanceLouis-Gabriel Bellon (1819-1899) collection, France.
European private collection, 2009.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no. 13014-246790.
Cf. Mollard-Besques, S., Catalogue Raisonné des Figurines et Reliefs en Terre-Cuite Grecs et Romains. II: Myrina. 2 Bände Paris, 1963, pls.39-48, for similar terracotta flying erotes; cf. flying Eros with a mirror, in the Louvre Museum, accession no. Myr 95; a winged Eros with a diadem similar to our statuette, from Myrina, in Louvre, accession number Myr67; handmade statuette of winged dancing Eros with the same diadem in Mentesidou, E., The Terracotta figurines of Amisos, Thessaloniki, 2011, fig.60 (dancing winged Eros with similar diadem); for a general analysis of the Eros figure and character see Mattei, M. (ed.), La Favola di Amore e Psyche, Roma, 2012.
FootnotesIn classical times, Eros was usually depicted as a handsome adolescent, with only his wings distinguishing him from other kaloi and young athletes. Sometimes he was depicted younger and with less masculine features: Lysippos, in the famous statue of Eros of Thespiae, depicted him as a youth.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0086
Greek Terracotta Figure of Eros, the God of Love
Estimate £10,000 - 14,000€11,600 - 16,240 (for guidance only)$13,500 - 18,900 (for guidance only)
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Greek Attic Red-Figure Kylix Fragment Depicting a Lyre Player
Early 5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Irregular fragment depicting a draped figure playing a lyre, possibly Apollo; meander line to the reverse. 7.25 grams, 42 mm
From the stock of a former UK antiquarian, acquired at trade fairs and from private collection formed in the 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Europe. -
Greek Red-Figure Bell Krater Belonging to the Chevron Group
Apulian, 4th century B.C.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,389
With reserved herringbone band beneath the rim, wave pattern to be the baseline; Side A: young man with thyrsus and pendant streamer holding a phiale, a loose mantle draped from the elbows; Side B: head of a lady of fashion with white accents to her stephane and hair drawn up in a chignon, a volute and window before her. 1.11 kg, 23.2 cm wide
Acquired on the art market between the late 1990s and mid-2000s. Estate of the late Barry Paul Buxton (1944-2024), Oakham, Rutland. Acquired on the UK art market, 2025. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13071-249285.
Bell kraters were commonly used in regions of ancient Italy for mixing and serving wine during communal gatherings, thanks to their wide shape and flared mouth. These vessels also served as artistic expressions, reflecting the cultural tastes of the time. The Chevron Group is the conventional name for a group of ancient Apulian red-figure vase painters who were active in Southern Italy between approximately 335-310 B.C. They are named for their distinctive use of a band of chevron patterns to encircle the rims of the small kraters (mixing vessels) they decorated. -
Greek Black-Glazed Guttus with Infant Hercules
Apulian, 3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
With basal ring, trumpet-shaped spout and ring handle, disc decorated with low-relief image of infant Hercules battling a snake, shoulder with palmettes; crack across the body. 165 grams, 11.5 cm
From the stock of a former UK antiquarian, acquired at trade fairs and from private collection formed in the 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Europe.
Angered by his infidelity, Zeus' wife Hera attempted to kill the infant Herakles by sending two snakes to his cradle, where he slept. As the snakes coiled around the baby Herakles woke and strangled them, thus displaying his superhuman strength at an early age.
