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Ring with Aphrodite weighing two Erotes (Erotostasia)

Greek
late Classical Period
350 B.C.

Medium/Technique Gold
Dimensions Length of bezel: 1.8 cm (11/16 in.)
Credit Line Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1912
Accession Number23.594
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsJewelry / AdornmentRings

Catalogue Raisonné Lewes House Gems, no. 053 (1920; 2002, additional published references).
DescriptionRing with engraved bezel. Aphrodite, standing to the left, holds a scale in her hands, and weighs two Erotes in a rare scene known as Erotostasia. A third Eros crouches at her feet and appears to be hugging her right leg. She wears an Ionic chiton, with a low neck, and a dotted himation, which conceals her left arm. Her hair is bound up. She stands on a very small ground line, with her weight on her left leg, and her free right leg slightly bent. The posture of the Erotes being weight is unclear, but both seem to be crouching. All three Erotes have long, thin wings emerging from their shoulders.


ProvenanceBy 1902: with Edward Perry Warren (according to J. D. Beazley, The Lewes House Collection of Ancient Gems, no. 53, the ring was bought by Warren from Lambros in 1902); November 21, 1923: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 32,948.27 (this figure is the total purchase price for MFA 23.576-23.594)