Round box with magnifying glass, miniature amboyna, abduction in Europe, J. Lalande, 19th century
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Round box in amboyna burl, decorated on the lid with a miniature in grisaille-camaieu signed J. Lalande and representing the myth of the abduction of Europa* by Zeus, the latter transformed into a bull, from the 19th century.
This box is in good condition and is of superb quality.
Please note: there are a few light scratches, minor soiling and signs of wear and tear, see photos.
According to one version of the myth, Europa, daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre, a city in Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon), had a dream. That very day, Zeus met her on a beach in Sidon and transformed himself into a white bull so as to approach her without frightening her and to escape the jealousy of his wife, Hera. Europa approached him. Riding the animal, she was abducted to the island of Crete, to Gortyn. In Gortyn, under a plane tree, which has remained evergreen ever since, Europa coupled with Zeus, this time in human form. From their union were born Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon, who went into exile in Anatolia, to Miletus. Later, Europa was given by Zeus as a wife to Asterion, king of Crete.