Europa and the Bull
after Giambologna (Douai 1529 - Florence 1608)
Category
Art / Sculpture
Date
1700 - 1799
Materials
Bronze with black lacquer
Measurements
33 x 31 mm
Place of origin
Italy
Order this imageCollection
Ickworth, Suffolk
NT 850843
Summary
Bronze with black lacquer on wood plinth, Europa and the Bull after Giambologna (Douai 1529 - Florence 1608). In Greek mythology, Europa was the daughter of King Agenor of Tyre who was abducted by Zeus (Jupiter), in the guise of a white bull, and taken across the sea to Crete where, in human form, Zeus (Jupiter) then raped her as described in the Roman poet Ovid's Metamorphoses. This model was designed as a pendant to Nessus and Deianeira as the female figures are analogous. This present example of casting is thin and light and the fixing of Europa and her drapery is not as fine as it could be. There are other versions in the Bargello, Florence and Palazzo Venezia, Rome.
Provenance
Acquired by Frederick Augustus Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry (1730-1803) and thence by descent to Rear Admiral Frederick William Fane Hervey, 4th Marquess of Bristol (1863-1951), on whose death valued for probate; accepted in lieu of tax by HM Treasury, and transferred to the National Trust in 1956
Makers and roles
after Giambologna (Douai 1529 - Florence 1608), sculptor after Antonio Susini (fl.Florence 1572 – d.Florence 1624), sculptor