Lot 69
Romano-Egyptian Bone Inlay - Flying Cupid Relief
Romano-Egyptian Bone Inlay - Flying Cupid Relief
Starting Bid: $300
(0 Bids)- Register to Bid
- To increase your bid limit, Get Verified .
Romano-Egyptian to Early Coptic, ca. 2nd to 5th century CE. A delicate fragment carved from ungulate bone, depicting a winged Cupid in lively motion. The youthful figure is shown in mid-flight, his body gracefully arched with one knee bent, wings extending with incised feathers. His arms reach upward, perhaps once grasping an attribute now lost, and his head is turned slightly to the side in a gesture of animation. The sculptor has emphasized the cherubic form with rounded limbs, detailed hair, and lively wings, evoking the classical Hellenistic tradition that endured in Roman Egypt and transitioned into early Coptic art. Size: 2.7" L x 1.4" W (6.9 cm x 3.6 cm)
Such inlays were typically affixed to wooden furniture, caskets, or devotional objects, where mythological imagery provided both ornament and symbolic meaning. The figure of Cupid, god of desire and playful love, was a favored motif that bridged pagan iconography and early Christian reinterpretations of winged putti as celestial beings. This piece, though fragmentary, preserves the charm and vitality of its ancient craftsmanship and reflects the enduring syncretism of Greco-Roman and Egyptian artistic traditions.
Provenance: private Thousand Oaks, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s
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.
#197235
- Condition: Fragment as shown. Professionally repaired with break line visible. Some chipping, fissures, and weathering to surface, commensurate with age. Nice remaining detail and light patina.
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 up to 25% 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 |