Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A rare Roman lead votive depicting Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, accompanied by her son Cupid (Eros). Venus is shown in the pudica pose, a classical gesture derived from Greek prototypes in which the goddess covers herself modestly with one hand while accentuating her nudity with the other. Despite the stylized and simplified modeling in lead, her elongated form retains a graceful presence, with the rounded head and incised facial details lending expressiveness to the figure. Cupid stands at her side, rendered in miniature, his hand on his hip, reinforcing the maternal bond and divine iconography of love. Cast votives in lead were humble yet powerful dedications, often left at sanctuaries or household shrines as offerings of devotion or petitions for favor. Unlike marble or bronze statuary, these modest ex-votos reflect the private piety of ordinary worshippers who invoked Venus's blessing in matters of love, fertility, or protection. Size: 1.5" W x 5.1" H (3.8 cm x 13 cm)

The choice of the pudica type - an enduring image from the famous Greek Aphrodite of Knidos by Praxiteles - demonstrates the persistence of Hellenistic forms well into the Roman Imperial period. This figurine captures the essence of domestic Roman religiosity, where even small lead offerings carried symbolic weight, linking the divine beauty of Venus with the eternal playfulness and desire embodied by Cupid.

Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 to 2010

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#197561

  • Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration over some break lines and other visible. Very fragile overall with weathering and surface wear, all commensurate with age and material. Liberal remaining detail and rich patina throughout.

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October 17, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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