Feature Article:
Roman Erotic Art:
by Sean Hemingway
Our word "erotic" derives from the name of the Greek god of sexual love, Eros, son of Aphrodite. The Romans called him Cupid and the Latin word for desire shares the same root. Roman erotic art occurs in many different forms, from large-scale sculptures, relief-decorated luxury vessels of glass and precious metals to wall paintings and more humble works of bronze and terra-cotta, displaying a vigorous interest in sex at many different levels of society. Today some of these works may seem offensive, but it is important to view them in their ancient contexts. In Roman times, erotic art had a respected place and served a variety of purposes.
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