The Rape of Ganymede 16th century

This 16th-century silver plaquette by Giovanni Bernardi da Castel Bolognese depicts the mythological scene of Ganymede, a Trojan prince, being carried away by Zeus in the form of an eagle to serve as the cupbearer of the Olympian gods. The scene, rendered in high relief, showcases the dramatic moment of abduction, with Ganymede struggling against the eagle's grasp. Bernardi's work, created during the High Renaissance, demonstrates a masterful understanding of anatomy and composition, capturing the dynamism of the narrative with an attention to detail that makes the plaquette a perfect example of Renaissance art. The plaquette's small size reflects the popular trend of the time for intimate, collectible works of art.