Ca. 200 AD. A finely carved in extremely high relief – virtually in the round – section of a marble sarcophagus depicting the god Eros (Roman Cupid) or one of the Erotes (Roman Cupids) holding a large bunch of harvested grapes in his left hand. Eros, depicted as a nude cherub, is posed standing in contrapposto, with his weight shifted to his left leg, one arm angled to carry the fruit of the vine, the other missing its forearm, perhaps once carrying more grapes (a common theme of Hellenistic and Roman art) or his bow. In addition to possessing an impressive understanding of anatomy and an ability to render flesh from stone, the sculptor of this piece was skilled in communicating naturalism in Cupid’s facial features – generously lidded, almond-shaped eyes, apple cheeks, pudgy nose, and full lips – framed by a wavy coiffure adorned by a leafy crown. Eros was the mischievous yet endearing god of love and, according to some classical writers, a son of the goddess Aphrodite.Size: L:700mm / W:260mm ; 37.35kgProvenance: Property of a Central London Gallery, acquired by a British private collector, formerly in a NYC collection, ex. R. Sorge collection, Germany, 1980s, ex. German collection, Munich, 2000s. Exhibited: Olympia Art & Antiques fair, London June 2022.