Lot 33
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st century CE. A delicate and charming fresco fragment from a Roman villa, painted in the first century CE, this piece preserves the image of a winged Eros caught mid-motion. The youthful figure is shown nude, save for a billowing cloak that drapes from his shoulders and flutters behind him with lifelike animation. Rendered in soft hues of red, pink, and gray against a rich ochre ground, Eros reaches out to grasp one end of a swag or floral garland - an architectural motif popular in Roman wall decoration. The edge of a second figure is barely visible at right, likely another Eros, indicated by the fluttering tails of another cloak. Two horizontal bands anchor the composition at the base - sky blue above and warm terracotta below - suggesting the start of a lower register in the original frieze. Size of fresco: 8" W x 11" H (20.3 cm x 27.9 cm); of frame: 14.5" W x 17.5" H (36.8 cm x 44.4 cm)
Fragments such as this are typically associated with the elaborate wall schemes found in Roman villas, particularly in regions like Campania, where Pompeii and Herculaneum offer numerous comparanda. The style and palette correspond to the Fourth Pompeian Style, known for its ornate and theatrical illusions, mythological themes, and intricate spatial layering. Eros, or Amor as the Romans called him, was a ubiquitous decorative presence in domestic wall painting. Often shown as a playful cherubic child or youthful attendant to Venus, he symbolized both romantic longing and the spirited mischief of divine love. The refined brushwork and surviving pigment on this fragment hint at the sophistication of the lost room it once adorned - possibly a triclinium or cubiculum, designed to delight its occupants with mythic beauty and charm.
Mounted in a modern frame for display. Plaque on frame reads: "Fresco / Roman Villa / Judea - 1st Century AD."
Provenance: private Boca Raton, Florida, USA collection acquired from Baidun Gallery, Jerusalem, Israel in December 2013
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#194880
- Condition: Fragment of a larger fresco as shown. Some nicks and scuffs to surface with chipping around edges. Good remains of pigment and imagery. Mounted in a custom frame with fabric backing and suspension wire on verso for display.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |