A Roman Marble Torso of Eros, ca. 1st century BCE - 1st century CE

Shown nude, Eros steps forward almost in a graceful dance. This piece is carved with great artistic skill, demonstrating a precision and remarkable sensitivity in the rendering of the lightly chubby and soft physique that typically depicts one of the most famous and revered images from Classical Antiquity; Eros, god of desire, erotic love, attraction, and affection. The archetypal small boy of Greco-Roman art, Aphrodite’s most faithful companion can be identified with certainty just by the presence of the carved back wings. Here, his right arm reaches across his body to mischievously pluck an arrow from the quiver resting by his left side.

Condition: The figure itself is nicely preserved, with traces of the back wings still visible, the marble is beautifully smoothed with very few minor losses. Overall in excellent condition.  Mounted on black base with original Sotheby's sticker attached.

Dimensions: Height: 7 inches (17.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex. Sotheby's, June 25, 1992, lot 311, thereafter private NY collection.