Plaster Sculpture Of Eros Of Centocelle" After Praxiteles, Circa 1900"

This impressive plaster sculpture from circa 1900 is a representation of the "Eros of Centocelle," also known as Greek Love, a marble statue excavated near Centocelle, just outside Rome, by the Scottish neoclassical painter and archaeologist Gavin Hamilton in 1772.

The statue is reputed to be one of several Roman versions of a bronze sculpture of the Eros of Thespiae by the foremost Greek sculptor Praxiteles of Athens, from the 4th century BC. It depicts the youthful god of love, Eros, displaying a graceful posture with a gentle tilt of the head and subtle musculature, showcasing the timeless elegance and balance typical of Praxiteles' works. The subject’s long, flowing hair and serene expression reflect the romantic idealism associated with the god of love.

As found, and as represented in this model, the statue is missing its forearms and legs. Holes and long scratches on the back suggest that wings were also once attached. Briefly housed at the Louvre between 1797 and 1800 as part of a group of works given by Pope Pius VI to Napoleon, the marble was eventually returned to Rome and is now part of the collection at the Vatican Museum.

This plaster replica of a famous statue likely originated as an academic study piece for aspiring artists, typical of fine arts schools at the turn of the century. Its classical proportions and detailed rendering made it both a valuable teaching tool and a striking decorative piece.

This finely crafted statue can be admired from all sides. With its impressive dimensions, refined classical aesthetic, and undeniable historical significance, this piece is not merely a decorative object but a tribute to one of antiquity's greatest masters.