Wine jug (one of a pair)

Unknown

ca. 1680 · Faience (tin-glazed earthenware) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This jug and its mate (1985.181.2) are decorated with scenes from classical mythology. Here, Europa, a princess of Phoenicia, is carried off to Crete by Zeus, disguised as a very tame and beautiful bull. This event was thought to explain the origins of the name "Europe" for the landmass west of Crete.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1680

Medium

Faience (tin-glazed earthenware)

Culture

French, Nevers

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, The Charles E. Sampson Memorial Fund, Gift of Irwin Untermyer, by exchange, Rogers Fund, and Bequest of John L. Cadwalader, by exchange, 1985