Headless torso of Eros. Ancient Rome, 2nd–3rd century A.D.

Headless torso of Eros. Ancient Rome, 2nd–3rd century AD.
Limestone.
The feet and arms are missing. Otherwise, in good condition.
Provenance: Early 20th-century collection from Constantine; SVV M. D. & O. C. S., France, April 2024.
Measurements: 26 cm high.

The young god stands naked, with his weight resting on his right leg. One arm hangs relaxed at his side, while the other is raised, accentuating the muscular tension of his powerfully sculpted body.
Although the head is missing, the torso can be identified without a doubt as that of the god, given his typical features: he is standing, naked, and has the physique of a robust boy. The Greek god Eros (whose Roman counterpart was Cupid) was the primordial god of love and desire, and was also associated with fertility. In some myths, he was the son of Nyx and Erebus. He is also depicted as the son of Aphrodite and Ares, although, according to Plato’s *Symposium*, he was conceived by Poros and Penia during the celebration of Aphrodite’s birthday. This would explain the different aspects of love.