Earring with Eros Figure

4th-3rd century B.C.

Gold Earring, Greek: Fourth-Third century BC
One of the most popular types of earring in the Hellenistic period was formed of a rosette and a pendant handing from it. Here the figure is of Eros, an appropriate and common subject. The god himself wears earrings and is naked except for the sling to hold his quiver. In his right hand he holds a ball. The figure of Eros is solid cast, probably by the lost wax method, thereby a model in was is made, surrounded by clay except for a hole, then model is then heated, the wax runs out and molten gold is poured into the resulting hollow. The clay mould is broken, the god figure is polished and details and additions such as the wings and ball are added.

Gold

2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm)

Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection

48.50

Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Going For Gold, November 3, 2012 - December 8, 2013

Portland, Oregon, Portland Art Museum, Jewelry, 1952

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