Object Description
Ca. AD 200
A finely carved, extremely high relief section of a marble sarcophagus depicting the god Eros or one of the Erotes holding a large bunch of grapes. Eros, depicted as a nude cherub, is standing in contrapposto, with his weight shifted to his left leg and one arm angled to carry the fruit of the vine. His other forearm is missing, and perhaps once carried more grapes or his bow. In addition to possessing an impressive understanding of anatomy and an ability to render flesh from stone, the sculptor of this piece was skilled in communicating naturalism in Cupid’s facial features, generously lidded, almond-shaped eyes, apple cheeks, pudgy nose, and full lips, framed by a wavy coiffure and adorned by a leafy crown. Eros was the mischievous yet endearing god of love and, according to some classical writers, a son of the goddess Aphrodite.
Size: L: 700mm / W: 260mm ; 37.35kg