Statue of a small boy with a water jar

Summary

The statue is made of fine-grained, white marble and has incrustations and root marks on the surface. The left arm, right arm with part of the object on the right shoulder, right leg, lower part of the left leg as well as the penis are all missing. Red paint can be seen with the naked eye on the water jar.

In 2003 the statue was cleaned, and the cast restorations adjusted.

Description of object

The left arm, right arm with part of the object on the right shoulder, right leg, lower part of the left leg as well as the penis are all missing but have been restored in modern times. The head with the water jar has been broken off but does belong. A piece of the hair on the left side of the head has been broken off, but probably belongs. The nose is damaged. Incrustations and root marks on the surface. Vestiges of puntelli behind the left leg. The substantial drilling through the water jar for the provision of a lead pipe shows that the work has functioned as a fountain figure.

The body is turned to the left and the right shoulder is raised as a result of the weight of the water jar, which the chubby, small boy bears on his right shoulder. The format and the large puntelli at the back indicate that the figure was part of a larger group, probably in the company of Venus. Although he has no wings, the cross strap securing his quiver, and the knot in the hair above the forehead, show that the subject is Eros.

Choice of methods

Visual examination

• Macroscopic

Bibliography

F. Poulsen (1951), Catalogue of Ancient Sculpture in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. no. 170.

M. Moltesen (2005), Catalogue. Imperial Rome III. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. no. 184.