2nd-3rd century AD. A bronze statuette fragment modelled in the round as a nude boy with head turned to look over his left shoulder, right leg outstretched and right arm held behind his back, hand resting on his left buttock, his left hand holding the wrist of a much larger figure, whose wrist and hand in turn are wrapped around the boy's arm; detailing to the hair, face and genitalia. See for parallel the bronze statue of Aphrodite and Eros, Greek, 200-1 BC in the J. Paul Getty Museum, accession number 57.AB.7. 85.7 grams, 72mm (2 3/4"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection formed since 1970. The small statuette was probably part of a group of two statuettes comprising Venus Genetrix and her son Cupid, variously represented in Roman iconography (frescoes, sculptures and mosaics) of the 1st century BC-3rd century AD. Cupid (Eros) was the mischievous god of love, a minion, constant companion, and son of the goddess Venus (Aphrodite"). In the Roman period, Cupid had become a child and was often seen as symbol of childhood, while the erotic image of Aphrodite was transformed - in these iconographies - into Venus Genetrix, i.e. a model mother. [No Reserve] For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price