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Statuette of sleeping Eros
Roman
Imperial Period
2nd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Stone, Greek island marble?
Dimensions
12 x 22 x 57 cm (4 3/4 x 8 11/16 x 22 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. M. Lewis
Accession Number2009.2522
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 199; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 112 (additional published references).
DescriptionSleeping baby Eros with his bow and quiver represented beneath him on the plinth. He uses his cloak for a pillow. A well known type in Roman imperial art that may be traced to a Hellenistic bronze prototype based on closely observed human toddler as a model; note the soft belly, fleshy thighs, squared feet, chubby face. Perhaps, used as a child's funerary marker.
The wings were restored in another marble. The surfaces are much worn and have been somewhat cleaned. The plinth on which the little god sleeps is worked roughly on its outer surfaces. The wings were also tinted a yellow-brown.
The wings were restored in another marble. The surfaces are much worn and have been somewhat cleaned. The plinth on which the little god sleeps is worked roughly on its outer surfaces. The wings were also tinted a yellow-brown.
ProvenanceApril 29, 1890, lent by J. M. Lewis, Mukumvika, Congo River, S.W. Africa (loan no. 1426); 2009, presumed abandoned. (Accession Date: June 2, 2009)