Europa and the Bull, 1790s
Giovanni Volpatoexpand_more
Bisque porcelainexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 72.107
On View in Gallery 310expand_more
Giovanni Volpato was a successful engraver, art dealer, and amateur archaeologist before he founded a porcelain factory in Rome in 1785. Pope Pius VI granted him a virtual monopoly in the city. Volpato specialized in the production of white bisque tabletop sculptures representing famous ancient marbles and figures from classical mythology. This refined statuette depicts the beautiful maiden Europa carried off by the god Jupiter, who transformed himself into a bull. While this mythical tale is typically shown as a violent abduction, this work casts it as a tender love scene, complete with a playful Cupid accompanying the happy couple.
The terracotta model, made by an unknown sculptor, is extant (private collection; see Philadelphia 2000, eds. Bowron and Rishel, no. 101). The only other known porcelain example from Volpato's shop is in the Cini Collection at the Musei Capitolini, Rome.
Details
- Title
- Europa and the Bull
- Artist Life
- 1735 - 1803
- Role
- Maker
- Accession Number
- 72.107
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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