Ganymede with eagle

Together with a multitude of other fragments of larger grave monuments that were deliberately shattered, this group of figures, which is only lightly damaged, was recovered during excavation work in the area of the modern-day university in the “Saarstraße” street in 1940. It depicts the abduction of the Trojan prince Ganymede by the eagle-like Zeus, who took him to Mount Olympus, where he became the butler to the gods. The group of figures, which displays very high-quality artistry, was mounted on top of a large grave monument. It represents the Ascension and immortality in grave symbolism.