Head of Eros, 2nd-3rd century CE

Head of Eros

2nd-3rd century CE · Sculpture

Can I see it?

Not on view at present

Where is “Head of Eros” now? Collection: Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge. Not on view at present. Checked October 12, 2026.

Harvard Art Museums

Cambridge, United States

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked
In this state since
Source
The museum
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About the sculpture

This flat head of a child, perhaps the god Eros, was probably used as an applique (1). The face is round, with large eyes, a wide, flattened nose, a smiling, open mouth, round cheeks, and a curving chin. The coiffure is high, rendered as straight strands of hair pulled back vertically and horizontally. The back is flat and featureless except for the iron pin that probably served as a means of attachment.

NOTES:

1. Compare A. Kaufmann-Heinimann, Götter und Lararien aus Augusta Raurica: Herstellung, Fundzusammenhänge und sakrale Funktion figürlicher Bronzen in einer römischen Stadt, Forschungen in Augst 26 (Augst, 1998) 81 and 93, nos. S371 and S154 (appliques of female heads).

Lisa M. Anderson

Harvard Art Museums

Details

Accession number
1992.256.106

In the catalog

Sources

On view at Harvard Art Museums

Museum page