This decorative roman work is based on Hellenistic iconography that arose in the third century B.C. It shows the moment before Zeus, who has taken the form of an eagle, abducts the mythical shepherd of Troy in order to drink the wine of Olympus. Considered the most handsome mortal, Ganymede shepherded his father´s flocks. He is represented with an elaborate hairdo characteristic of Roman cupbearers. His restored right arm bears a cup but was originally held up to scare the rapacious bird away.