The Warren Cup and the Contexts for Representations of Male-to-Male Lovemaking in Augustan and Early Julio-Claudian Art

Abstract

Augustan visual and literary remains shed light on the two images of males making love on the Warren Cup. Similar silver vessels date it to the Augustan period and show that erotic imagery was common in the tableware of the wealthy. Imagery on Arretine ware supports the Warren Cup's style and date while revealing lower-class appreciation of such representations. In Pompeian and Roman wall paintings and mosaics similar erotica appears in public buildings and noble boudoirs. Though official policy toward male-male sexual activity restricted the passive role to non-aristocrats, unofficial morality—as seen in Augustan poetry and the visual arts—was more tolerant about sexual acts and roles.