Greek statuette of Aphrodite and Eros, Hellenistic, c.1st century AD
Terracotta
Height: 33cm
11350
Further images
The nude goddess of beauty has adored her body with jewellery; around her thighs, ankles, upper arms, wrists and in an X across her body. She stands contrapposto, thick drapers...
The nude goddess of beauty has adored her body with jewellery; around her thighs, ankles, upper arms, wrists and in an X across her body. She stands contrapposto, thick drapers held up in her right hand, passing around her back and being pulled across her left thigh to hide her modesty. Her hair is arranged in tight curls with a central rosette on her head, a tight bun at the back of her head and falls in two locks along each shoulder. To her right is a naked, child like Eros, a scallop shell in his left hand, his wings projecting above his shoulders. Aphrodite's back and buttocks are exposed, the thick folds of drapery covering the backs of her legs. The pair stand on an integral rectangular stand, a large vent hole at the back between Aphrodite's shoulder-blades, the interior hollow with a wide opening under the base. The surface with remains of white slip, a break running horizontally through the statuette across her waist.
Provenance
G. Rexroth collectionDavid Rowse (1925-2013), London, UK; acquired 6th December 1971
Private collection, London, UK; acquired by descent
