Eros by Grave Stele
Eros by Grave Stele

On view

Ancient Mediterranean Art

Eros by Grave Stele,

4th century BCE

Greek
y1964-117
This small terracotta depicts the god of love, Eros, kneeling by a grave stele, where he presumably lays a dedication at its base. The object was once brightly painted, and traces of pigments survive along the horizontal base and vertical grave marker. While this was probably not a unique object, having been made in a mold that could have been reused many times, it nevertheless offers a touching depiction of loss and grief, embodied by the god as he mourns.

Information

Title
Eros by Grave Stele
Dates

4th century BCE

Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
10.7 x 9.1 x 3.5 cm (4 3/16 x 3 9/16 x 1 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Edward Sampson, Class of 1914, for the Alden Sampson Collection
Object Number
y1964-117
Culture
Greek
Type
terracottas, figurines, ceramics
Materials
terracotta, slip
Subject
wings, animals, figures (representations), mythology, men, graves, stelae

Given to the Museum by Edward Sampson

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