An Italian maiolica istoriato crespina with the Abduction of Ganymede, probably Rimini, ca. 1570

Dia.: 27 cm - H.: 6 cm

The base inscribed 'ganimedo', referring to the frontal depiction of the mythological episode of the Abduction of Ganymede.

This myth has been described by various ancient sources, including Ovid who tells how Jupiter, having fallen in love with Ganymede, transformed himself into an eagle to kidnap and take the young man to Olympus, making him his cupbearer. The scene unfolds in a landscape by a lake. It depicts the young man as the eagle kidnaps him during a hunting trip, arousing amazement and horror among his companions, while the dogs are barking.

The inspiration possibly comes from an engraving based on the drawing by Michelangelo for the Roman nobleman Tommaso de Cavalieri in 1532. One example is the engraving by the French Nicolas Beatrizet (1507-1565). (see image 3, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum, New York) (link)

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