Winged Eros with a Shield, unknown maker from Italy

Framed by a round cartouche, Eros—the Greek god of love—poses against an inky background. As his feathered wings unfurl behind him, Eros grips a round shield and gestures toward the distance. Composed of miniscule tiles, or tesserae, this Roman mosaic employs techniques inherited from the Greeks, who were themselves influenced by earlier Near Eastern traditions. Because mosaics were highly valued in the Roman Empire, the wealthiest citizens could commission large-scale customized works to blanket the floors and walls of their villas. Those of more modest means, however, might purchase a smaller, premade scene—like this one—as a stand-alone piece.