Head of Eros

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