Intaglio With The Young Eros

NotesThis elliptical gem is rather elongated and thin: it was certainly intended to be used as a cabochon for a precious metal ring, probably made of gold.

The stone, a cornelian, is decorated with an image carved in relief: the standing, naked figure represented is a child, as indicated by the haircut and, especially, by the still chubby, rounded shapes of the belly and breast. He can be easily identified by his small wings as Eros, the Greek god of love and faithful companion of Aphrodite/Venus.

He is depicted as a child who enjoys lighting the flame of love in the hearts of the gods and men; he is most often provided with a pair of wings on the upper back. In this example, Eros is turned to the left of the viewer, but in a static position. In front of him is a writing tablet, which he is about to use; in his right hand, he holds an enigmatic instrument, probably a stilus (a wooden or bone stick used to write, draw or erase on a clay/wax tablet).

In the iconography of the Imperial period, Eros is not only the faithful companion of Aphrodite in amorous scenes. He is also the protagonist of many images showing human activities and trades, as well as how they were practiced: Eros might thus incarnate a painter, a baker, a glass blower, a sculptor, a salesman, etc.

Complete and virtually intact; chip on the upper part.