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LOT 0065
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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LOT 0065
Greek Terracotta Figure of Eros, the God of Love
Estimate £8,000 - 10,000€9,280 - 11,600 (for guidance only)$10,800 - 13,500 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£4,000 (EUR 4,640; USD 5,400) ‡+BP*
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Greek Bronze Bird Pendant
Geometric Period, 8th-7th century B.C.Estimate: £80 - 100 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Modelled in the round with a long beak and splayed, short legs, pierced through the upper body. 14.7 grams, 35 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Etruscan Carnelian Scarab of a Fletcher in Gold Ring
Late 4th-3rd century B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
With carapace detailing and intaglio of a crouching male carving an arrow, set within a dotted border; set into a later gold swivel ring. 4.24 grams, 27.12 mm overall, 18.38 x 18.49 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market. -
Greek Bronze Ring with Standing Figure
Circa 3rd-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £30 - 40 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Featuring a D-section hoop and an oval bezel with a stylised figure facing left. 1.58 grams, 18.07 mm overall, 14.74 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.