ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art
Intaglio with Cupid Holding a Butterfly and Torch
Place FoundIsrael, Asia
CultureRoman
PeriodImperial
Datemid to late 2nd century CE
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Michael J. Shubin
Dimensions1/2 x 3/8 x 1/8 in. (1.2 x 0.9 x 0.3 cm)
Object number2012.032.205
Label TextA winged Cupid stands facing left, wearing a cloak down his back. He holds a butterfly in his right hand above a flaming torch held in his left. Short groundline. Representations of Cupid torturing butterflies are common on Roman gemstones. The butterfly symbolizes Psyche, and the motif therefore offers a metaphor for love's torture of the soul. Such gems were likely given as love tokens.
ProvenanceEx coll. Michael Shubin (1950-2008), Montebello, California, acquired June 14, 1989.
Status
Not on viewCollections
- Greek and Roman Art
1st Century CE
2nd Century CE
2nd Century CE
late 1st Century BCE-early 1st Century CE
late 1st Century BCE
ca. 1st Century CE
2nd Century CE
1st-2nd Century CE
