3rd century BC. A hollow-formed ceramic figurine of Canosa type, depicting two embracing figures, probably a statue of the romantic lovers Eros (Roman Cupid) and Psyche; the male nude with left leg crossed in front of the right, wearing a cap with rounded rim (petasos) and a himation draped about the shoulders and legs, his right hand grasping the breast of his female companion standing with stephane diadem to the hair, clutching the folds of a loosely-draped palla; two slots to the reverse, both in seemingly diaphanous clothing with cascading drapery folds hugging every curve of their bodies; both present endearing faces with delicately modelled features. See similar specimen in Metropolitan Museum inv. n. 06.1062. 1.8 kg total, 33cm with stand (13"). From a North West London collection; previously acquired in the 1980s. Given the joy and openness of their union, perhaps this piece is commemorating the young couple's joyous wedding day on Mount Olympus. Canosa was one of the most important centres of production of such statuettes, active especially in 3rd-2nd century BC, and also Boeotia. Canosa was a major centre of the Italian ceramics and pottery trade during this period. It produced a distinctively decorated style easily distinguishable from earlier and neighbouring traditions. The Canosan clay was buff, with the decoration applied directly to it without the use of slip.