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peter szuhay

Ring with sixteenth century cameo

Ring with sixteenth century cameo

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Late eighteenth century gold ring with a sixteenth century agate cameo of two Erotes. The cameo is with a ring of turquoise .

Measurements of cameo :17 x 15 mm

Rig size : N+1/2

The Erotes are a group of winged gods in Classical mythology. They are associated with love and sexual desire, and form part of Aphrodite's retinue. The individual Erotes are sometimes linked to particular aspects of love, and are often associated with same-sex desire. Sometimes the Erotes are regarded as manifestations of a singular god, Eros. 

Stories of the Erotes' mischief or pranks were a popular theme in Hellenistic culture, particularly in the 2nd century BCE. Spells to attract or repel Erotes were used, in order to induce love or the opposite. Different Erotes represented various facets of love or desire, such as unrequited love (Himeros), mutual love (Anteros) or longing (Pothos).: 133 

The Erotes were usually portrayed as nude, handsome, winged youths.: 133  The earliest known sculptured friezes depicting a group of Erotes and winged maidens driving chariots pulled by goats, were created to decorate theatres in ancient Greece in the 2nd century BCE.:  The representation of Erotes in such friezes became common, including Erotes in hunting scenes.[10]: 126  Due to their role in the classical mythological pantheon, the Erotes' representation is sometimes purely symbolic (indicating some form of love) or they may be portrayed as individual characters. The presence of Erotes in otherwise non-sexual images, such as of two women, has been interpreted to indicate a homoerotic subtext. In the cult of Aphrodite in Anatolia, iconographic images of the goddess with three Erotes symbolized the three realms over which she had dominion: the Earth, sky, and water.

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Stock Code: SKU:PS88

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