100-200 AD. Roman. A large marble cupid statue carved in the round. Cupid is depicted nude and fleshy, standing and motion to the right, with his right foot turned outwards. The tree stump behind him is both decorative and a source of support in large statues like this one which lacked the tensile strength of their bronze counterparts. Cupid stands on a square base bearing a Greek-language inscription which reads: "Tatas, son of Theouphistos, [fulfilled this] vow." Cupid is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection; perhaps this piece reflects a lover giving thanks to the god for his assistance in an affair of the heart. Good condition.Size: L:520mm / W:230mm ; 21.6kg; Provenance: property of a Central London Gallery, acquired by a private collector, formerly in a private East Coast, USA collection; ex collection from Germany; ex-private Belgium collection, acquired in 1980s