Terracotta fragment from the rim of a vase

Unknown

2nd half of the 3rd century CE · Terracotta · Greek and Roman Art

According to myth, Zeus fell in love with Europa, the daughter of a Phoenician king, and disguised himself as a bull to carry her across the sea to Crete on his back. On Crete, Zeus made love to Europa, producing two or three children, including the legendary king of Crete, Minos. Many depictions of the myth of Europa and the bull occur in Roman times, particularly on red-glaze, sigiliata pottery such as this piece.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2nd half of the 3rd century CE

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917