Gold Scarab with Depiction of an Eros
4th-2nd century BCE
Description
One of a set of four similar gold scarabs. This scarab, which may be a pair with 2012.1.19, has a convex back with two small raised dots for eyes, a horizontal register of a thick line surrounded by a thinner line, with the rest of the body covered by thin vertical lines to indicate the wings. The underside, which is concave, bears an incuse depiction of a flying or dancing Eros (Cupid), moving to the left, with his left arm extended and raised, and his right arm extended and lowered. Part of a wing is possibly visible behind his right shoulder. The remains of a coiled spring are visible at the top, possibly part of a hinge or used for suspension. There is a dark discoloration at the bottom center of the exterior.
Dimensions
1.1 x 0.9 x 0.4 cm (7/16 x 3/8 x 3/16 in.)
Provenance
The Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University (before 1952-2012), transfer; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012.
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