Style Louis XV / Ref.13218
Louis XV style fireback depicting "The Rape of Europa", early 19th century
Dimensions
Width 32'' ¼ 82cm
Height 31'' ⅛ 79cm
Depth: 1'' ⅛ 3cm
Origin:
19th century.
Status:
Good condition.
This fireback was cast in the early 19th century.
It is adorned with a typical Louis XV style decor composed of acanthus leaves and shells scrolls, on the center of which is depicting the Rape of Europa, episode of the Greek mythology telling the story of Europa, daughter of the Phoenicia King, esteemed for her beauty. Zeus seing her walking by the sea changes to a bull to come closer to her. When Europa tries to touch him, Zeus as a bull lays down to invit her to ride him. This way he kidnaps her and runs crossing the sea until they arrive in Crete. She has with him three children, Minos, Eaque and Rhadamanthe, judges of the underworld.
A similar fireback is conserved in the Musée Saint-Jean of Anger and illustrateed on the Henri Carpentier's book "Firebacks".
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