Fragment of a Relief, The Rape of Europa

myminifactory

This is a limestone fragment of a small sculpture portraying a bull with a young girl securely fastened on its back. The young woman, draped in a chiton, tightly grips the bull's horns with her right hand while using her left to hold down her cloak that flows freely behind her - indicating the bull is indeed moving. The sculpture vividly depicts The Rape of Europa, an extremely well-known theme in ancient Mediterranean culture and neoclassical periods. In the myth, Zeus develops a deep infatuation with Europa and transforms into a white bull to gain her attention. As she affectionately strokes the bull, Zeus seizes the opportunity to capture her and carries her across the sea to the island of Crete, where she becomes the first queen of the island. The fragment is likely part of an ornate or decorative sculpture. Due to its high quality and rough texture, it could also be connected to a funerary monument or sarcophagus. In this case, Europa would serve as a powerful symbol for the transmigrating soul.