Nicolas Béatrizet - engraver, Michelangelo Buonarroti - draughtsman - Ganymede
In ancient Greek mythology, Ganymede is a handsome youth born into the royal family of Troy. Falling in love with him, the god Zeus abducts him, in the form of an eagle, and transports him to Mount Olympus. There the young man serves the gods as a cup-bearer. In the given context, the myth could have a personal meaning, as well as an allegorical one - as the soul’s endeavour to reach loftier and nobler goals. Michelangelo’s drawing is now missing, but there exist many copies by outstanding artists.
date:
measurements: height 417 mm
width 280 mm
in collections:
material: paper
technique: engraving
inventory number: R 35910
gallery collection: Collection of Prints and Drawings