Roman Garnet Cameo of Eros the Greek God of Love

1ST CENTURY A.D. OR LATER

3/8 in. (0.42 grams, 8 mm).

Discoid in plan with a high-relief plastic head of Cupid (Greek Eros).

Provenance

Private English collection, formed between the late 1970s and early 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.

Literature

Cf. Spier, J., Ancient Gems and finger Rings, catalogue of the collections, the J. Paul Getty Museum, Malibu, 1992, nos.228-229, for gemstones with a similar head of Eros.

Footnotes

The finely engraved head on the cameo represents a young child, probably intended as Eros (Cupid). Such depictions were produced in numerous variations to illustrate the stages of childhood and the capacity of children to undertake meaningful or symbolic actions. The high relief type appears to have been especially popular and was probably derived from metalwork, like the plaster medallion from Begram, Afghanistan.

CONDITION

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LOT 0098