2,000-year-old marble masterpiece “Sleeping Cupid” found in Pula

(Photo credit: Arheološki muzej Istre/ Leana Buršić Križić)

ZAGREB, 31 Oct (Hina) – A masterpiece of ancient art, the marble sculpture “Sleeping Cupid” from the 2nd century, has been discovered on a private plot in the very centre of Pula as part of archaeological investigations, it was highlighted on Thursday at a press conference at the Archaeological Museum of Istria in Pula.

This is an exceptional archaeological find uncovered in Castropola Street in Pula, which was presented to the public for the first time at the conference, along with details of its discovery and its significance for the city’s ancient heritage.

The sculpture was found on a private plot owned by the company Kaštel Centar, situated between Cvečićev and Glavinićev Uphill, on land covering 1,200 square metres, in a luxurious room which, according to initial expert assessments, belonged to a wealthy Roman domus.

The work, measuring 98 cm in length, 44 cm in width and 30 cm in height, was discovered in two parts. Nevertheless, archaeologists describe it as a “perfection of ancient sculpture”.

The sculpture depicts Cupid lying on a lion skin, with a small lizard beside him.

“The piece still needs to be cleaned and restored, but it already inspires admiration due to its exceptional craftsmanship and state of preservation. This is an extraordinary find that testifies to the wealth and culture of ancient Pula,  said Darko Komšo, director of the Archaeological Museum of Istria.  

(Photo credit: Arheološki muzej Istre/Leana Buršić Križić)

It is certain that Pula, through this discovery, has once again confirmed its status as an archaeological treasure trove of the Mediterranean, said Komšo, adding that the sculpture will undergo laser cleaning before becoming part of the museum’s permanent exhibition.