Hellenistic Gold Pendant Depicting Winged Eros

Gold, H. 2.8 cm
Greek-Roman world, 1st century BC. - 1st century AD

The young winged god Eros is finely worked in gold leaf, enhanced with chased and punched details. He is depicted naked, his torso encircled by crossed bands composed of fine gold chains. A snake-shaped bracelet encircles his right ankle, while he holds two attributes in his hands. Similar erotes are found as ornaments in Greek and Hellenistic jewelry: J. Ogden, D. Williams, Greek Gold, London, 1994, p. 251, no. 191.

For a more in-depth study, see E. Vernier, Bijoux et orfèvreries, 4 vols, CG, Cairo, 1907-1927; B. Deppert-Lippitz, Griechischer Goldschmuck, Mainz, 1985, pp. 205-296.

*Lot on temporary import

Provenance
Merton Simpson, New York, USA, pre-1979
Galerie Nefer, Zurich, Switzerland, acquired from previous in 1979

Published in
Galerie Nefer, Zurich, Ancient Jewellery from the Classical World, Spring 1995, no. 74.
G. Gentili (ed.), Cleopatra. Roma e l'incantesimo dell'Egitto, Skira, Milan, 2013, no. 79, p. 156; p. 273.
M. Restellini (ed.), Le Mythe Cléopâtre, Pinacothèque de Paris, 2014, p. 181, no. 112.

Exhibitions
Antikenmuseum Basel & Sammlung Ludwig, 1998-2022
Rome, Chiostro del Bramante, Cleopatra. Roma e l'incantesimo dell'Egitto, October 12, 2013 - February 2, 2014
Paris, Pinacothèque de Paris, Le Mythe Cléopâtre, April 10, 2014 - September 7, 2014