LATE 19TH CENTURY

Each of these chenets represents a different mythological story, with abductions by Jupiter in disguise as the common denominator. The tales of his abductions are some of the most famous in classical mythology, including that of Leda and the Swan and Europa and the Bull. These chenets represent two lesser-known legends of Jupiter overcoming the objects of his desire. The first alludes to the story of Aegina, daughter of the river god Asopus and Metope and the twin sister of Thebe, whom Jupiter in the guise of an eagle carried off to the island Oenone, now called Aegina after her. The second alludes to the legend of Ganymede, son of the king of Troy, Tros. His youth and exceptional beauty overwhelmed Jupiter, who again transformed himself into an eagle and carried the youth up to Mount Olympus, where he was made cupbearer to the gods - it is for this reason he is shown holding a wine cup. One of the identities of Jupiter is that of the defender of the hearth and it is undoubtedly this role that inspired the designer in his subject matter.

The model for these chenets is dated to circa 1710. Eighteenth century examples include a pair in the Swedish royal collection at Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm (H. Ottomeyer & P. Pröschel, Vergoldete Bronzen, Munich, 1986, vol. 1, p. 71, cat. no. 1.10.8, pl. 1.10.9 as the illustration has been switched and is incorrectly marked); and a pair in the Frick Collection (D. Dubon & T. Dell, Furniture in the Frick Collection, New York, 1992, vol. VI, pp. 243-248).