BRONZE ROMAN OIL LAMP WITH THE ABDUCTION OF EUROPA

Reproduction of a small Roman oil lamp presenting, on its upper face, the scene of the kidnapping of Europe.

According to one version of the myth, Europe, daughter of the king of Tyr, a city of Phenicia (now Lebanon) had a dream. The same day, Zeus met her on a beach in Sidon, metamorphosed into a bull, to approach him without frightening him and escaping the jealousy of his wife Hera. Imprudent, Europe approached him. Riding the animal, she is abducted on the island of Crete. In Gortyne, under a plane tree that has since been always green, Europe mates with Zeus, in human form, this time. From their union are born Minos, Rhadamanthe and Sarpedon. Later, Europe is given by Zeus as wife to the king of Crete Asterion.

Brass object made with the technique of lost wax, as in antiquity. Delivered with a wick to light it.

Length: 9,5 cm; width: 6,5 cm; Weight: 250 g.