Group of Zeus and Ganymede

Creator

• Unknown

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

circa 480-470 BCE

Abstract

Full length from front

Keywords

Greek Late Archaic period, Sculpture (Visual works), Statues, Terracottas (Sculptural works)

Alt Text

A sculpture depicting two figures, with one figure carrying a smaller figure on their back. The sculpture has intricate details and appears to be displayed indoors.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Greece; Olympia (Greece)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

This is a multi-figure statue now displayed near where it was originally found in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. The first fragments of the group were uncovered in 1878 in the southwest and western area of the stadium at Olympia, near the surface. It has been reconstructed, but is still missing pieces. The size of the figure is unusual, as it is less than life size, but over the regular size for a terracotta figure. The scene shown is from mythology, capturing the moment where Zeus whisks the youthful Ganymede off to Mount Olympus. The homoerotic link between a grown man and a youth was not disapproved by Ancient Greeks, but with certain limitations could actually form part of an aristocratic ideal. As a god, Zeus could transgress those limits and steal away the youth. The terracotta statue group appears to be the earliest work of Greek art where the eyes are depicted in an expressive way and the figures do not stare straight ahead as previously.

Identifier

A01-JGC0398

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Group of Zeus and Ganymede" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 424.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/424