Details

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.

Provenance

Louis-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.

Literature

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.

Footnotes

In 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.