Die Entführung des Ganymed
1740/1780
Medium
Feder in Braun laviert auf Papier
Dimensions
25,5 × 23 cm
Classification
Zeichnung
Department
Belvedere Collection
Museum
Belvedere
Credit
Belvedere, Vienna
Accession Number
SLM 278
Art Historical Context
Behold the captivating *Die Entführung des Ganymed* (The Abduction of Ganymede), a delicate drawing from the Belvedere Collection in Vienna, created by an unknown artist between 1740 and 1780. This intimate work, measuring just 25.5 × 23 cm, depicts the timeless myth from Greek antiquity: Zeus, in the form of an eagle, sweeping away the youthful Trojan prince Ganymede to serve as cupbearer on Olympus. Such classical themes were immensely popular in 18th-century Europe, reflecting a revival of antiquity amid the Rococo era's graceful elegance and mythological whimsy. Executed in pen (Feder) wi...