On the Representation of Ganymede in the Roman Mosaic of the Loves of Zeus from Astigi (Baetica)

Abstract

The discovery in 2015 of the great mosaic so called of the Zeus’ Loves in Écija (Sevilla) comes to highlight again the quality of the mosaic heritage of the ancient Astigi, capital of the conventus astigitanus in Baetica. It is a large pavement, which contains several pictures, with geometric motifs, Bacchic themes and scenes from the Zeus Loves cycle, among which the legend of the Rape of Europe stands out, as well as one of the Dioscuri, Leda and the Swan, a satyr pursuing a young maiden, identified as Antiope, and by last the legend of Ganymede. The depiction of Ganymede in Roman mosaics is well documented, in particular the precise instant of the abduction with both already in flight. However the Ganymede’s legend in the Astigi pavement of the Zeus’ Loves found in the Plaza de Armas shows a not usual image. This article deals with the literary sources and possible parallels that would have served as a model for the representation from Astigi. Are analyzed several images in Attic red-figure vases, Roman paintings, reliefs and gems and particularly in two mosaic floors, the Antioch pavement of the so called domus of Buffet Supper and the Italica mosaic of the love stories of Zeus, preserved in the Lebrija Palace-Museum in Seville.

Keywords

• roman mosaic
• astigi
• zeus
• loves
• ganymede