Romano-British Bronze Eros Statuette

Modelled standing on polygonal bases, comprising: a male figure with full head of hair and beard, dressed in a floor-length robe and holding a patera; a male figure dressed in full-length robe, wearing a hat and holding a palm(?), one arm absent; a female figure standing in floor-length robes, possibly holding a cornucopia and rudder, suspension loop to reverse. 24.5 grams total, 24-38 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. From an important North West London collection.

With elliptical cell, inset carnelian cabochon with intaglio figure of Poseidon standing naked, only covered by a cloak on his shoulders, holding a trident with left hand, and a net with a stylised dolphin(?) with the right hand; possibly a marriage. 4.97 grams, 26.02 mm overall, 18.30 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery.

On issues of the Roman colonial coinage of Patras, the image of nude standing Poseidon holding a trident and dolphin is reproduced simultaneously with the most common representations of the god shown standing with one foot resting on a support (rock or dolphin). This type of standing nude Poseidon holding a trident in his left hand and a dolphin in his right is also pictured on the reverse of coins of Agion.

With onion-knop terminals, carinated bow with a median band of guilloche decoration; the footplate with ring-and-dot decoration to each end, central guilloche panel with chamfered sides; hinged pin and pierced catch-plate to reverse. 64 grams total, 90 mm



Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.

The piercing runs through both the body and catchplate. Such alterations, for the attachment of a securing chain or thong, are not uncommon on heavy brooches, but the hole is usually restricted to the reverse (the catch).