Cupid with a Hydria, 1st century
Romanexpand_more
Marbleexpand_more
Gift of the Miller Family Collection: Leslie and Frank Altmanexpand_more 2005.149
Not on Viewexpand_more
Eros was the Greek god of love; his Roman parallel was Cupid. Eros began as a violent and cruel god, representing uncontrollable physical desire. As depicted in works of art, however, Eros gradually grew younger and, by Hellenistic times, had become a little child. His familiar image as a winged child armed with bow and arrow began to develop in the 4th century BCE. The artist has used delicate modeling to describe the figure's childlike physique.
The figure holds a large hydria (water jar) on his left shoulder. The theme of Cupid carrying a hydria was a standard element of Roman fountain sculpture. A boss on the back indicates that this figure originally was attached to another element, perhaps another figure, forming part of an elaborate fountain composition.
Details
- Title
- Cupid with a Hydria
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2005.149
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.
No Image Available