Context (Analysis)
Note by A.B. Cook: 'Note hand to mouth. Primarily symbolic of childhood then of silence. Divinities on birds are common Cf. Aphrodite and Mother Goose!'
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Terracotta group. Boy on goose, no wings: therefore not Eros. Hellenic work.
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Accession Register reads: 'Terracotta figurine. Venus riding on a goose. Probably from Cyprus.'
Event Date 1923
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Context (Analysis)
Catalogue card notes: 'Probably from Asia Minor' but Accession Register notes 'Probably from Cyprus.'
Event Date 1923
Author: Imogen Gunn (admin)

Description (Physical description)
Fragmentary terracotta sculpture of a human figure riding a large bird. Hollow; reconstructed from fragments. The worn and fragmentary nature of the object makes the scene depicted hard to identify. The human figure appears to wear a tall hat, have long hair, and have a hand raised to their mouth. It is unclear if they ride side-saddle or not. Gender is uncertain. The bird appears to have a long neck so may be a swan or goose. However, since the figure may wear a Phrygian cap, the sculpture may represent Ganymede and Zeus in the form of an eagle. Earlier interpretations have included Venus (Aphrodite) riding a goose.
Event Date 7/3/2024
Author: Sophie Wardle