2nd-3rd century AD. A bronze statuette of Adonis with youthful beardless face framed by curled hair, wearing a garment draped over one shoulder and tied at the waist; standing upright with right arm held forth holding a discoid object, left arm absent below the elbow; extending lug below the feet for attachment to a stand or within larger ensemble. 1.3 kg, 28cm (11"). Property of a Mayfair lady; formerly in an important London collection formed since 1965. Adonis was the offspring of an incestuous union between Smyrna and Cinyras. As an infant, he was given by Venus (Aphrodite) to Persephone for protection but later became an object of desire for both, resulting in a decision by Zeus that he would spend four months with Persephone, four months with Venus and four months with whomever he wished. According to mythological traditions, Adonis was killed by a wild boar during a hunt - either sent by Artemis, or Ares in disguise. Aphrodite pleaded for Adonis' life with Zeus, who allowed the youth to spend half of each year with her and half in the underworld. Fair condition; corroded.