Winged Eros with a Shield, unknown maker from Italy
Artwork Overview
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 85.7 x 90.2 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 33 3/4 x 35 1/2 in
If you wish to reproduce this image, please submit an image request
Images
Label texts
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.
Surrounded by scrolling vines, this fragment showing Eros—also known as Cupid—was once part of a larger floor mosaic and was probably accompanied by other Erotes in various poses. Tap the Web icon to see an image of another Erotes mosaic. Mosaics were made by highly specialized craftsman who carefully chose each stone or glass tile, also known as tesserae, to create the overall image with remarkable depth and detail.
This work is almost 2,000 years old. What context does it add to the other works you have seen so far? How do you think it may have come to be at the Museum?
Surrounded by scrolling vines, this fragment showing Eros—also known as Cupid—was once part of a larger floor mosaic and was probably accompanied by other Erotes in various poses. Mosaics were made by highly specialized craftsman who carefully chose each stone or glass tile, also known as tesserae, to create the overall image with remarkable depth and detail.
This work is almost 2,000 years old. What context does it add to the other works you have seen so far? How do you think it may have come to be at the Museum?
Once 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.
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.
