ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art
Cameo Head of Eros or Small Boy
AAT Object Form/Functiongems (worked stones)
AAT Object Techniquecameos (sculptures)
AAT Object Form/Functionheads (representations)
Possible OriginBulgaria, Europe
CultureGreek
PeriodPtolemaic
Date1st-2nd Century CE
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions3/4 x 9/16 x 1/2 in. (1.9 x 1.4 x 1.3 cm)
Object number2008.031.054
Label TextFacing head of Eros or small boy with full cheeks, large eyes and central braid along crown. Highly polished. With bevelled, slightly convex back. The head is likely to represent a Hellenistic prince assimilated to Eros. The type has been associated with the Ptolemaic court, and in particular with Cleopatra VII who is said to have announced the birth of her children by Mark Antony by sending him gifts of precious stones.
Exhibition HistoryMonsters, Demons & Winged Beasts: Composite Creatures in the Ancient World, Michael C. Carlos Museum, February 5 - June 19, 2011
ProvenanceSaid to have been with Christie's. Ex coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, said to have been purchased from Victor England [Classical Numismatic Group], United States, 2001.
Status
Not on viewCollections
- Greek and Roman Art
late 1st Century BCE-1st Century CE
2nd-3rd Century CE
3rd-2nd Century BCE
second quarter of the 4th Century BCE
late 1st Century BCE
2nd Century CE
late 1st Century BCE-early 1st Century CE
ca. 25-140 CE
late 2nd Century CE
