Eros riding a goat
Unknown Artist
3rd century BCE or later
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
H. 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm)
Classification
Terracottas
Culture & Period
Cypriot · Hellenistic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.1599
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delightful terracotta figurine, *Eros Riding a Goat*, captures the spirit of Hellenistic art from ancient Cyprus. Dating to the 3rd century or later, the small sculpture—standing just 3 13/16 inches (9.7 cm) tall—depicts the mischievous god Eros astride a goat, a whimsical pairing that evokes themes of love, desire, fertility. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's and Roman Art Department as part of the Cesn Collection (acquired 1874–76), it exemplifies Cypriot terracottas, which blended Greek influences with local traditions. Terracotta, or baked clay, was a favored medium in the H...