An ancient Roman red jasper intaglio depicting a seated erote with an amphora by his feet to the left set in a modern 18 carat gold ring.
An ancient Roman red jasper intaglio depicting a seated erote with an amphora by his feet to the left set in a modern 18 carat gold ring.
Provenance
Private collection, UK, 1990s
Literature
The Erotes were the winged gods of love, a multiplication of the god Eros. They were associated with love and desire, and formed part of Aphrodite’s entourage. Their number was varied, however individually named Erotes are mentioned in ancient literature, including Himeros (Desire), Pothos (Longing) and Anteros (Love Returned).
Depictions of the Erotes were very popular in Hellenistic and Roman art, across various media including sculpture, vase-painting and engraved gems. Erotes were usually depicted as handsome, nude winged youths who were often involved in mischievous acts.
Jasper is a group of opaque semi-precious stones that are usually red, green, yellow or brown in colour. Red, green and yellow jaspers became especially fashionable for Roman gems in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.