Jupiter and Amalthea

"Jupiter and Amalthea". Germany, VOLKSTEDT, late 19th century-early 20th century.
Biscuit.
With mark on the back.
In good condition.
Measurements: 16 x 11 x 11 cm.

This sculptural group is probably inspired by Bernini's marble "The Amalthea goat with Jupiter child and a faun" (Borghese Gallery, Rome). Although in Bernini's piece there are only two children, the author of this biscuit takes up the mythological scene developing it in a neoclassical language. Each infant exudes grace and spontaneity in gestures and countenance. According to Greco-Roman mythology, Jupiter's mother, Rhea, left her son in the care of the goat Amalthea, in order to hide him from Cronus, who was devouring all his progeny. It is told that once, when Jupiter and a faun were playing, the boy grabbed tightly to the horn of the goat, unfortunately, this caused it to break. After this, Jupiter created a cornucopia, an object that provided you with any material wealth. Jupiter was raised along with other mythological beings by the goat Amalthea, this being gave him all the necessary care for Jupiter to become a strong and healthy man in the future. The future king of Olympus was indebted to the creature, so he gave him a solid gold dog to make the goat's abode safer.