Roman Intaglio Gemstone with Wheat

Represented nude and winged, with detailed head crowned by dressed locks and a low petasos, the face beautifully modelled with delicate features; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 49 grams total, 11.5 cm including stand

Fine brown clay, grey core.

Ex P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.

These figurines were often deposited inside the graves of children. In Thessaloniki, a winged Eros very similar to this was deposited in a grave. From the small size of the skeleton, with a maximum length of 1,10 m, and from the grave offerings, the archaeologists deduced that it belonged to a boy who was accompanied by his beloved and necessary possessions, but also by those providing escort and entertainment beyond this world. Unguentaria were placed on either side of the femoral bones, two on one and a single one on the other, two strigils along the eastern side of the grave near the head, a coin on the chest, and several terracotta figurines near the north-eastern corner near the head, while a handle-less bowl was placed very close to the face.

With rounded conical body, upward sloping everted rim with sloping internal face; applied trail to upper and lower neck, angular handle; iridescent surfaces; repaired. 57 grams, 14 cm high



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.

With broad shoulder, slender neck, stepped neck and upwards-flaring rim, two applied rectangular handles; iridescent surfaces. 143 grams, 17 cm high



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.