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Oval gem with Eros with spear and shield
Greek
Late Classical or early Hellenistic Period
350–300 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Carnelian
Dimensions
Length: 29 mm (1 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1912
Accession Number27.761
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionIntaglio. Slightly convex; flat back. Motif carved on the convex side. Eros, leaning forward, steps to the left, while holding a spear in the crook of his left arm and supporting a grounded shield with his left hand. A string of amulets hangs across his chest. His weight is on his front (left) leg, as he pushes himself off of his back (right) foot, which is viewed frontally, with the toes out splayed. His head and left leg are rendered in profile, while his torso and right leg are in three-quarter view. He has a long, pointed nose, and a long chin; his hair is gathered at the back of his head. His body is modeled softly, more fleshy than muscled. His genitals are clearly visible. His wings come out of his shoulder blades. The shield Eros supports is decorated with a stylized thunderbolt. In the field at right, Greek inscription in two lines: "KALLIPPOS MADE [ME]."
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (loaned to MFA, June 22, 1927 as 275.27); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, November 17, 1927, for $ 161,000.00 (this figure is the total price for MFA 27.647-27.761)