On October 30, 2025, a press conference was held in the Educational Hall of the Archaeological Museum of Istria, where the sculpture "Sleeping Cupid" was presented to the public for the first time—an exceptionally valuable archaeological discovery found the previous week in the center of Pula, in Castropola Street. This is a unique find already assessed as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of recent years in Pula and beyond.
The sculpture was presented by archaeologist Aleksandra Paić from In situ, the discoverer of the find, Director of the Archaeological Museum of Istria Darko Komšo, Head of the Antique Collection Silvana Petešić, and Aleksandar Knežević, representative of the investor.
Director Darko Komšo emphasized that it is a masterpiece of ancient art that, due to its value, can be ranked among the three most valuable sculptures in the museum's collection. The sculpture was found almost complete, and although one wing is broken off, it will be restored. He noted that the conservation and laser cleaning process follows, after which the sculpture will be included in the museum's permanent display, adding that the significance of the find transcends local frameworks and has national importance.
Archaeologist Aleksandra Paić spoke about the moment of discovery, noting that the sculpture was found at the end of the workday, at a depth of about three meters, in the collapse layer of an ancient domus. Research at that location has been ongoing for over a year and a half and has revealed a luxurious room richly equipped with marble and frescoes. Research continues with the aim of better understanding the purpose of the space and the context of the find.
Silvana Petešić presented the artistic and cultural context of the sculpture, stating that it is a naked winged boy, an eros, made of white fine-grained marble. The figure lies on a lion's skin, with its head resting on the lion's head, and a small lizard is depicted next to it—a rare motif present in only about twenty similar sculptures in Europe. The sculpture can be dated to the 2nd century AD with high certainty, and the splendor of the domus further confirms its exceptional value.
On behalf of the investor, Aleksandar Knežević thanked the archaeologists for their cooperation and emphasized the importance of conducting archaeological research before construction itself, noting that the future purpose of the space is still being defined.
The discovery of the "Sleeping Cupid" once again confirms the wealth of Pula's archaeological heritage and the importance of systematic research. After restoration, the sculpture will become part of the permanent display of the Archaeological Museum of Istria and will be available to the public as one of the most representative works of ancient sculpture found in this area.
