Eros with a Dolphin

myminifactory

This sculpture, part of the Farnese Collection, showcases Eros (Cupid) astride a dolphin. Created in the 2nd Century AD, it originally served as an ornamental feature on a fountain. The group portrays Eros as a winged youngster, positioned upside down as he rides the dolphin from whose mouth water would have flowed forth. A stunningly intricate composition is characterized by the spiraling twist of the dolphin's tail encircling the child's body, leaving only his legs in the uppermost portion free. The motif of Eros riding a dolphin has been depicted in Greek art since the middle of the 6th century BC, particularly in ceramics and decorative arts. In ancient and later works where this theme was most prevalent, it is believed to represent the soul's odyssey (see ancient Roman sarcophagi), originally tied to Dionysian religion. A mosaic from late Roman Britain displays a procession emerging from the mouth of the sea god Neptune, with dolphins followed by sea birds ascending to Cupid. One interpretation of this allegory holds that Neptune symbolizes the soul's origin in the matter from which life was formed, with Cupid triumphing as the soul's desired destiny.