Magna Graecia, Apulia, Canosan Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd to 2nd century BCE. An elegant votive figure of a winged cherub - perhaps Eros or an Erote - wearing a voluminous cloak, the fabric of which drapes over his shoulders and upper body, but still reveals his lower abdominal region, genitals, and fluttering legs. The figure is presented in a dynamic, perhaps flying or alighting pose, with the left leg before the right, the right arm crossed over his chest, the left arm raised, and his head delightfully leaning towards the left. What's more, his visage is skillfully delineated with delicate features framed by a curly coiffure that falls to and beyond his shoulders - and his wing is nicely detailed with plumage. Further contributing to its allure is the rich red and white pigment remaining on the piece. Size: 4" H (10.2 cm)

Canosa, or Canosion as it was known then, was a major center of the ceramics and pottery trade when it was a Greek polis. It's artists produced truly unique pottery, completely different in decoration style from earlier and neighboring traditions. The clay is buff, with the decoration applied directly to it without the use of slip. In this example, the surface is liberally adorned with red and white pigments.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#140686

Missing one wing. Normal surface wear with some pigment loss and abraded areas commensurate with age. Details remain strong, and much original pigment remains.