Europa on bull Zeus bronze figure
Price:
On request
Product details
| Product number: | 1164 |
| Artist: | n. Jean Didier DEBUT (1824-1893) |
| Style: | After Jean Didier Debut 1824-1893, Ancient, Mythology |
| Material: | Bronze |
| Dimensions: | 44, 21, 33 cm |
Product description
Impressive bronze figure of Europa on the bull with a marble base. After
Jean Didier DEBUT
(1824-1893)
Europa was the beautiful daughter of the Phoenician King Agenor. She lived in the city of Tire (in modern-day Lebanon) and was considered exceptionally beautiful. One day she had a strange dream in which two women were fighting over her: Asia and an unknown country. The latter claimed that Europe was hers and would soon claim her.
The next morning, Europa went to the beach with her friends to pick flowers. Zeus, looking at the earth from Olympus, saw it and immediately fell in love with its beauty. But Zeus knew that if he approached her in divine form, Europa would fear him. So he turned into a magnificent, snow-white bull with golden horns and gentle eyes.
Europa and her friends were fascinated by the tame and beautiful bull. She hesitantly approached him, stroked his fur and finally sat on his back. At that moment Zeus jumped into the sea with her and swam away at incredible speed. Europe clung to his neck in fright, but the bull swam unstoppably across the water.
After a long journey they finally reached the island of Crete. There Zeus revealed his true form and declared his love for Europe. He made her queen of Crete and she bore him three sons: Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon, who later became famous rulers and judges of the underworld.
As a sign of his love, Zeus gave Europe three divine gifts:
1. Talos, a bronze giant who was supposed to protect Crete.
2. Laelaps, an infallible hunting dog.
3. A spear that never missed its target.
Europe eventually became native to Crete, and their name later became a symbol for the entire continent of Europe.
Meaning of the legend
This story symbolizes the cultural connection between the Middle East (Phoenicia) and Europe. She also explains mythologically why Europe has its name. The story is also a symbol of divine intervention and the fusion of cultures in the ancient Mediterranean.
Jean Didier DEBUT
(1824-1893)
Europa was the beautiful daughter of the Phoenician King Agenor. She lived in the city of Tire (in modern-day Lebanon) and was considered exceptionally beautiful. One day she had a strange dream in which two women were fighting over her: Asia and an unknown country. The latter claimed that Europe was hers and would soon claim her.
The next morning, Europa went to the beach with her friends to pick flowers. Zeus, looking at the earth from Olympus, saw it and immediately fell in love with its beauty. But Zeus knew that if he approached her in divine form, Europa would fear him. So he turned into a magnificent, snow-white bull with golden horns and gentle eyes.
Europa and her friends were fascinated by the tame and beautiful bull. She hesitantly approached him, stroked his fur and finally sat on his back. At that moment Zeus jumped into the sea with her and swam away at incredible speed. Europe clung to his neck in fright, but the bull swam unstoppably across the water.
After a long journey they finally reached the island of Crete. There Zeus revealed his true form and declared his love for Europe. He made her queen of Crete and she bore him three sons: Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon, who later became famous rulers and judges of the underworld.
As a sign of his love, Zeus gave Europe three divine gifts:
1. Talos, a bronze giant who was supposed to protect Crete.
2. Laelaps, an infallible hunting dog.
3. A spear that never missed its target.
Europe eventually became native to Crete, and their name later became a symbol for the entire continent of Europe.
Meaning of the legend
This story symbolizes the cultural connection between the Middle East (Phoenicia) and Europe. She also explains mythologically why Europe has its name. The story is also a symbol of divine intervention and the fusion of cultures in the ancient Mediterranean.