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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.106
Title
Head of Eros
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, head
Date
2nd-3rd century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Roman period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304549

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Brass
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
4 x 3.5 x 1.4 cm (1 9/16 x 1 3/8 x 9/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Brass:
Cu, 87.52; Sn, 1.85; Pb, 0.98; Zn, 8.97; Fe, 0.21; Ni, 0.02; Ag, 0.09; Sb, 0.15; As, 0.15; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.005; Au, 0.073; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is green with a few areas of reddish brown and tan burial deposits. The object is largely intact, although the surface is worn and poorly preserved.

The head is a solid cast, and a squared iron pin remains in the reverse. The poorly preserved surface makes it difficult to know at what point the surface design would have been created, but it is likely that it was done in the wax stage prior to casting.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.106
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This flat head of a child, perhaps the god Eros, was probably used as an applique (1). The face is round, with large eyes, a wide, flattened nose, a smiling, open mouth, round cheeks, and a curving chin. The coiffure is high, rendered as straight strands of hair pulled back vertically and horizontally. The back is flat and featureless except for the iron pin that probably served as a means of attachment.

NOTES:

1. Compare A. Kaufmann-Heinimann, Götter und Lararien aus Augusta Raurica: Herstellung, Fundzusammenhänge und sakrale Funktion figürlicher Bronzen in einer römischen Stadt, Forschungen in Augst 26 (Augst, 1998) 81 and 93, nos. S371 and S154 (appliques of female heads).


Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu