Roman Marble Head of Cupid

Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. The beau ideal of ephebic espieglerie; an exemplary marble head of Cupid (Greek Eros), the Roman god of desire, erotic love, and attraction. Appearing both cherubic and devious, the playful deity smirks at his viewers, staring outwards from generously lidded, almond eyes beneath an artfully arched brow, as plump cheeks highlight his youthful guise. He is crowned by a thick mane of neat ringlets that cascade down the back of his head with loose coils framing his enchanting countenance. In addition to conveying the naturalism of Cupid's facial features, the artist demonstrates the impressive ability to render flesh from stone, as evident in the smooth appearance of the god's skin, gentle folds of baby fat beneath his dimpled chin, and lightly recessed temples. Gaze carefully - lest this god of heavenly desire turn you into his own Pygmalion! Size: 5.75" W x 6.125" H (14.6 cm x 15.6 cm); 11.125" H (28.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Roman sculptors were particularly skilled at capturing optical effects of light and shadow in order to attain greater realism and as time went on more impressionistic, abstract forms. This example, despite being a fragment, provides a window onto the style and technique of ancient Roman sculpture.

Cupid (Eros) was the mischievous yet endearing god of love, minion, constant companion, and according to some classical writers, son of the goddess Venus (Aphrodite). In the Roman period, Cupid (Eros) had become a child (to the earlier Greeks, he was a muscular youth), but here he retains his mischievous air, ready to draw his bow and strike lovers with the arrows in his quiver in hopes of helping couples fall in love through his not-entirely-innocent interventions.

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 Beverly Hills, California, USA, acquired prior to 2000; ex-Harlan J Berk acquired1984

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

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.

#164627
Condition Report: Fragment of a larger piece. Losses to nose, upper lip, and eyebrows. Expected surface wear with some light softening of detail, as well as nicks and abraded areas, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with light earthen deposits.