Getty Museum

Fresco Fragment with Woman and Swan

Date

1st century A.D.

Medium

Fresco

Culture

Roman

Department

Paintings

Institution

Getty Museum

A popular scene from Greek mythology decorates this Roman fresco panel. Zeus, the king of the gods, often took on an animal form to deceive those after whom he lusted, and here he has transformed into a swan to seduce Leda, the queen of Sparta. Lifting her garment from her left shoulder, she reaches out to caress the swan’s neck. This panel formed only a small portion of an entire wall and room of painted decoration. The use of strong colors, such as this brilliant red panel set against the black background, was typical of Roman interior decoration in the first century A.D.

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