Eros
3880, Eros, c. 150-100 B.C.
Culture: Greek; from Myrina
Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: h. 15 in 38 cm
This large Eros, sculpted in flight and originally covered in white slip, probably carried a musical instrument in his hands. Traces of blue and gold remain on the wings of Eros and there is red in his hair.
Freud identified the basic life instinct as Eros, and he said that the evolution of civilization was a result of the struggle between Eros and Death. Freud’s collection has six figurines of Eros, with this one being the largest.