Description
| ITEM | Tondo / roundel with Eros head |
| MATERIAL | Bronze |
| CULTURE | Roman |
| PERIOD | 1st – 3rd Century A.D |
| DIMENSIONS | 45 mm diameter |
| CONDITION | Good condition |
| PROVENANCE | Ex American private collection, acquired before 2000s |
In Roman culture, Eros, also known as Cupid, was a symbol of love, desire, and attraction. Originally derived from the Greek god of love, Eros in the Roman pantheon became associated with Venus, the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Representations of Eros often depicted him as a youthful, playful figure with wings, carrying a bow and arrows, which he used to strike love into the hearts of gods and mortals alike. His mischievous and unpredictable nature made him a popular subject in Roman art and literature, embodying the capricious and consuming power of love. In both public and private art, Eros appeared frequently, sometimes in multiples, as symbols of love’s universality.
The image of Eros was widely embraced in Roman decorative art, from frescoes and mosaics to sculptures and jewelry. Small statues of Eros were common in Roman households, placed as charms for love or to protect family happiness. Eros was also commonly depicted in scenes of mythological or romantic themes, often shown interacting with Venus or other figures related to love. His youthful, cherubic appearance became increasingly popular in the late Roman Empire, where Eros was often portrayed as a chubby child—this later evolved into the more familiar “Cupid” of Renaissance art. This form resonated with Romans, who valued family, affection, and social connections, linking Eros with the affectionate bonds in domestic life.
