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Meissen Group of Europa and the Bull


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This item is no longer available
Dates Circa 1750
Dimensions
22.00cm high (8.66 inches high)
Origin Germany
Description An extremely fine and rare Meissen group of Europa and the Bull.

The Dictionary of Classical Mythology explains that Zeus was enamoured of Europa and decided to seduce her. He transformed himself into a tame white bull and mixed in with her father's herds. While Europa and her helpers were gathering flowers, she saw the bull, caressed his flanks, and eventually got onto his back. Zeus took that opportunity and ran to the sea and swam, with her on his back, to the island of Crete. He then revealed his true identity, and Europa became the first queen of Crete.

Condition Manufacturing fire fault to base and very minor restoration.
Literature The Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain 1710-50 - M Cassidy-Geiger p.267, pl.55 where the latest attribution is to J F Eberlein rather than Meyer

A Blaauwen, Meissen Porcelain in the Rijksmuseum, p.459, no.34
Provenance Belgium Private Collection.