Large Roman Leaded Bronze Cupid Holding Wreath & Cup

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A wonderful leaded bronze statue of Cupid (Greek Eros) - the god of love - presented in a dynamic pose that begs the viewer's eyes to move around the figure. His body is presented in the nude as is traditional with a delineated belly button and penis. His outspread wings flutter behind his shoulders with finely delineated plumage. Depicted in contrapposto, his left leg is advanced, and his weight is shifted to his extended right leg; he raises a chalice in his right hand, while his left arm extends outward but below his shoulders, holding a garland or wreath in that hand. In addition to capturing the god in motion, the sculptor of this piece has rendered an expressive visage with generously lidded almond-shaped eyes, a petite nose, pursed lips that are so lifelike they present a philtrum above - all framed by a garland in his hair. A very special statue of the Roman god of love and the son of Venus whose name is derived from the Latin cupido, meaning "desire." Size: 4" W x 6.7" H (10.2 cm x 17 cm); 9.1" H (23.1 cm) on included custom stand.

A smaller Roman bronze Cupid hammered for GBP 15,000 ($19,429.35) at Christie's, London "Antiquities" auction (sale 1174, October 24, 2013, lot 64)

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection, acquired April 15, 2019; ex-private Beiner collection, Florida, USA collection, acquired December 1, 2002; ex-Avraham Rosen collection, New York, New York, USA

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#144494
Condition Report: Missing lower half of left leg. Otherwise excellent with gorgeous green patina.