Artwork Page for Black-Figure Trefoil Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Europa on Bull

Details / Information for Black-Figure Trefoil Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Europa on Bull

Black-Figure Trefoil Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Europa on Bull

c. 530 BCE

attributed to Class of Vatican 440

(Greek, Attic)
Culture
Greek, Attic
Medium
ceramic
Measurements
Overall: 23.6 cm (9 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1929.978
Public Domain
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Location
102B Greek
Print
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Did You Know?

The continent of Europe takes its name from Europa, a Phoenician princess abducted by Zeus.

Description

Calmly seated sidesaddle on a bull, the woman depicted on the front of this small wine jug probably represents Europa, the Phoenician princess abducted by the Greek god Zeus. According to myth, Zeus either sent a bull or transformed himself into one, then carried Europa across the sea to Crete. There, she bore Zeus two or three sons, including the legendary king Minos. The bull ascended to the sky as the constellation Taurus.
A ceramic vessel with a rounded body, clover-shaped lip, and broken handle depicts a central black-figure scene on an orange-red panel. Europa sits sideways atop a black bull walking right; her face and limbs are painted white. Vertical bands of triangles flank the figures, while black rays circle the shoulder. The neck and lower body are solid black, with the vessel tapering toward a small flared base.

Black-Figure Trefoil Oinochoe (Wine Jug): Europa on Bull

c. 530 BCE

Class of Vatican 440

(Greek, Attic)
Greek, Attic

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